98 150hp Ficht question

[clydeg]

Im looking at buying a boat with twin 1998 Evinrude Ficht motors. The owner claims that both powerheads were completly replaced with new in 2000. Ive been told to stay away from the 97 to 99 Fichts but since the powerheads were replaced, im not sure if they would now be reliable. The hour meters show about 350 total and the owner claims the replacement was right at 100 hrs after one blew. Also, the serial numbers are G00479812 and G00479807 if that means something to anybody. Any advice would really be appreciated!

[SEAHORSE]

As much as I love OMC/Bombardier motors, I recommend you pass on the '98 models. They have NO resale value no matter what the books say. Just call up different dealers and ask what they will give you for a '98 FICHT.

Now if you can get the rig just for the price of the boat and trailer, then that's a different story. Run them and use the motors as a learning experience.

[Won Hunglo]

Only buy them if they are being thrown in free for the price of the hull only. Just one penny more than pass.

[RUSTY63]

Welcome to the BBC.

I would agree with the guys, Free or....No Thank You, I checked the serial numbers but they are not in the system.

[clydeg]

Thanks guys, thats not what I was wanting to hear but it seems to be the general consenus on these motors. Just curious but would it be possible to replace these powerheads later on with the later models or would it be better to just start with new motors? If that's an option, any ballpark ideas as to what this would cost?

[RUSTY63]

IMHO....it would be cheaper to start with newer motors, 2002 or newer.

[JoePA]

Kind of crazy that after 100 hrs these engine would blow!!!??? Were they that bad or was it the EFI setup that made them blow? My 1992 Johnson 200 has almost 600 hours on it and it runs like new!! What made them so bad???

[RUSTY63]

There are a few reasons this motor could have a problem around that time.

[ChampioNman]

Quite a few! These motors are some of the reason that lead to OMC's demise.