Evinrude yay or nay?

[rangerman942]

I owned a Ranger dealership from 1998-2006 and used to advertise on here with Al back in the day. I was a regular contributor on posting as well. I sold the 3 major brands, Evinrude, Yamaha and Mercury. I wouldn’t trade for a boat with a Ficht on it unless I could “steal” it. Having said that, I was a huge fan when BRP came out with the ETEC. I was on all 3 motor manufacturers pro staff at one time or another, but with Evinrude the longest. I liked the ETEC so well that when I sold my dealership, I kept a Z21 with a 225 ETEC HO. I ran it for several years before selling and got out of fishing. In 2019 I was ready to jump back in. I bought a new ETEC 150 with a jet unit and could not be happier. Do I wish BRP still built motors, sure, but parts and service will be around for a long time.

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

Thanks Rangerman942. Some encouraging news. The engine I'm looking at is a 2000 Evinrude Ram Ficht 225. What is your opinion on this outboard. It's at a dealership and has went through their shop and I'm being told it check's out in great shape.

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

This is the outboard Screenshot_20230319-144006~2.png

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

Another picture Screenshot_20230319-143948~2.png

[rangerman942]

If you bought it cheap enough, then ok. I didn’t like trading for the Ficht Injection motor at all unless I was into them very cheap. 115 hp and below were ok, but the larger ones seemed to have some issues. Sorta like the early 200hp+ Mercury Optimax had issues. When these companies first started with direct injection there were a lot of growing pains. You might end up ok, but maybe not. Of course that could be said of any used outboard without warranty. Many are running scared of boat with Etec’s on them since BRP quit making motors. I wouldn’t be afraid of one at all. There should still be decent parts availability on the one you are looking at.

[86 inches]

I had heard mixed reviews regarding the Evinrude G2 some good some not so good however no single issues comes to mind although seams like over heating may have been problematic on the early models and having to run special Evinrude oil.

Nope. Not sure where you got any of that. Overheating has not been an issue for the G2 and you don't have to run "special Evinrude oil."

The G2 has been plaqued by problems with their DPS steering. It has been addressed by Evinrude with at least two redesigns. In general, however, the G2 has a pretty remarkable service record and owners have been very happy with the motor.

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

Thanks Rangerman I'm just gonna have to roll the dice I guess. It's hanging on a real nice Ranger 520.

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

I'm concerned about one of those G2 outboards, but it's always good to have advice and information on any outboard.

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

So what year would any of you say is a safe year for buying a used outboard? just wondering when did these manufacturers figure out all the problems with these older outboards that are on these used bass boats? say 2010 and older. What's the best year for any outboard 200hp and up.

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

And let's just say for argument, that the outboards in question are all checked out by a certified mechanic and are all A Ok!

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

Just ordered a huge bag of Popcorn!!!

[86 inches]

Yeah: Heard the overheating issue from an owner of a G2. Said that his had been in the shop for it once already and started the same problem again if on a long run the engine would simply shut down ? The Evinrude engine oil statement is related to the 100:1 mixture ratio.

One owner with an overheat problem. Um... ok... so what?
The G2 can use XD100, XD 50 or any synthetic TC-W3 NMMA certified oil.

[86 inches]

Thats right I said May and XD100 is recommended for use but understanding is it is required if the engine is set to 100:1
The point is I personally would not be afraid to buy any of them if they check out good!

The G2 doesn't have oil settings. You're thinking of the G1.

The G2 is very sophisticated. It will protect itself. If your friend's motor shut down because it was overheating, it did what it was supposed to do. Way better than blowing a powerhead.

[rangerjignpig]

did you own The Boat Shop? Bought My Ranger Z20 there back in 2006.

[brushsjigs]

HUGE NO! It’s to bad because there are some nice rigs for sale that have them hanging on the back of them. Thousands cheaper than mercs or yammys.
getting parts not the issue finding someone to buy a boat with one is.

The parts are out there. Problem is you will take a 3k hit just for being on the boat, rather if it had a Merk or Yami.

[rangerman942]

did you own The Boat Shop? Bought My Ranger Z20 there back in 2006.

Yes, I opened in the spring of 1998 and sold in September 2006. Depending on when you bought in 2006 it may have been me.

[charg295]

This is the outboard Screenshot_20230319-144006~2.png

How many Hours does it have on it? Like some have said if the boat is what you want and you can get a good deal run it until it dies then repower. I had a 1999 200 and it was a good reliable motor for 720 hours. The EMM went bad and being a 1999 no one would repair it with warranty. I repowered with a 2009 200HO and love the way it runs.

[rangerjignpig]

Yep, bought it in Feb 2006 so im sure it was you. Nice place and the staff was really nice. Just sold that Ranger a year ago, was a great boat.

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

Hey, Rangerjignpig. What marine sales are you talking about?

[H2O_Fowl]

Another picture Screenshot_20230319-143948~2.png

not a lot of parts for those engines. I’ve heard no injectors or fuel pumps.