Looking at a 19' Stratos with a 2000 Ram Fitch 200. I've heard bad rap on the fitch engines , but may be willing to take a chance on this boat. Anyway too determine if any upgrades have been performed thru the serial#. What kind of maintenance issues would i be looking at. Been used to running a 225 EFI that was bulletproof and not very familiar with OMC. Thanks ahead for any help. much appreciated.
The 150-175 were the real problem motors. The big block weren't as susceptible to the problems of the small blocks....however, if you are trying to sell the engine you will get next to nothing for it, so I would price the rig pretty much the same. If it's been running this long, it can't be all bad. Be sure to get a computer print out and check it for abnormal overheats, etc.... JMHO
yep, agree on what was just said, buy the boat for a price that does not include the motor, as regardless of how good it is, you will be flat out selling or trading it, you may be lucky and it goes for years, but be prepared. OH and it is FICHT, not fitch. not that it matters.
saw my spelling error after the post. What was the major problem with these motors? injectors? mechanical? electrical or just a bad design from the beginning. everyone seems to be gunshy of these things.
Carbon was and is the killer of these motors! If you index the plugs properly, de-carb routinely or use XD100 they will run with any of them.
Dan Burnette - Marietta, GA
Triton 18TRX - 200 HO G2
Ive had my share f troubles with these but I really like the engines. I think that with care they are OK. I would if it was me like to see over 100 hours on one I considered buying and wouldnt dare without compression checks and maybe a leak down %. ASk questions such as oil type too. I also think thats a big deal for these. XD50 and 100 or nothing is my opinion. I can rebuild the engine pretty cheap if needed and even get electronics serviced for a lot cheaper than I can replace the unit. If I get 500 hours Im good. At 500 it can fail and be redone. The oil and gas use on these if they are rite is great, better than any other engine I have seen.
Bobby HAmrick
Bobby Hamrick
Rocky Face GA
2001 Ranger SVX19
2000 FICHT 200
I believe the ECU/EMM were a weak point for the earlier Fichts, but DFI Technologies is good with them for about half the price of new...
I own a 150hp Ficht on my Stratos. The earlier model years 97,98,99 were the most trouble. I have owned my boat for four years. I bought it a repo sale for almost nothing. I have had a few minor problems. Actually pretty stupid problems that I fixed myself. It is very good on fuel and oil and runs so quiet compared to comproble Mercury and Yamaha. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another with proper paper work
Modified by stratos17 at 11:11 PM 4/12/2011
Do you plan on servicing the engine yourself? Is there a dealer/mechanic in your area that you trust should something break? Just something to consider. Looking back at my purchase, I sometimes wish I would have bought a boat with a mercury engine simply because there are more merc mechanics closer to me. That being said, the short time that I have owned our 225 ficht, I have really enjoyed it. I have had to replace some of the lower unit seals (actually the dealer replaced them for me) but I figure after 10 years something is going to need fixing. Otherwise it has always started the first time, never left me stranded, it is quiet, little to no smoke, and plenty of power for my needs! If you like the boat, and the motor checks out (take it to a mechanic you trust and have it looked over), and you can get it for a price you like, then you should buy the boat!
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