posted 05-20-2002 06:24 AM ET (US)         

I stronly suggest you look elsewhere for a motor. The Southern Boating article on FICHT technology will further explain this. I posted it some time ago. It is in either the January or February edition.

posted 05-20-2002 08:20 AM ET (US)         

Yes, the '99 200 and 225 Fichts were troublesome and a lot of blown heads resulted. This was the major disaster caused both by inadequate oil and heavy carbon build up. Of course the well publicized fire potential problem from leaking injectors was a problem but that frankly only occurred in a handful of the engines (one was to many since it has been reveled that OMC management was aware of this potential and allowing them to be sold bordered on criminal negligence).

That said, if the engine in question has had the entire series of upgrades done (the owner or his servicing dealer should have a record of these so you can see the paper work they were actually done, just don't take the owners word) and has well over a 100 hours of use it might be fine. The first step is having a dealer hook up the computer and extract the current engine data. This will show what problems it had if any, amount of total hours run including the percent at various rpm levels. It also will diagnose any current problems it detects. The oil pump should be checked, the plugs pulled and checked for excessive carbon fowling. Have them run a compression check on the engine and to play it safe do a pressure check on the lower unit. My estimate at this point if all the above check out ok she is probably worth less than $5000.

Remember other than the new injection system and computer system control they are still basic two stroke outboards so what would apply to even a EFI or carb model in general applies to a Ficht for routine maintenance.

Our pair of 225hp 2000 Fichts which have had all upgrades done, they purr like kittens. No comparison to the loud smoky pair of 200hp carb Yamaha's we have on another boat which suck oil and gas like we own an oil refinery heh heh -----

On an ending note is that I can't give you a whole hearted recommendation that this engine won't be a problem but if all check out and the price is right you really might be getting a great engine which will last for a number of years at a bargain price. The early 2000 models had a few problems as mentioned, the 2001 and the 2002 are pretty much trouble free.

This link to an article published a non-biased view of the Ficht and OMC problems might give you some insight behind the negative US mags articles. [url] http://www.marinesearch.com.au/news.php3?newsid=1[/url]

This one gives you a good overview of just how the Ficht system works http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/2200/ficht.html

Tom

posted 05-20-2002 08:29 AM ET (US)            

I bought my Ficht with a Ranger bass boat in Spring 2000 and it failed in the first 5 hours and had to have the entire power head replaced. It worked fine the rest of the season and I got twice the gas mileage of my previous Johnson 175.

Ficht engines started failing massively in 1998 and by 1999 it was a $20 million disaster for OMC, which finally went bankrupt in 2000. The motor division was taken over by Bombardier, which has reinstated the company warranty - 2 years from purchase for 2000-2001 which is quite good considering the problems are inherited and not their fault.

This Spring (2001) there was a safety recall and I missed key bass tournaments two years in a row due to engine problems. I am constantly worried about getting stranded in an isolated area if the engine seizes up or breaks or (worst case) catches fire if the fuel injectors crack again.

Since writing my original epinion, I have received SUPERB customer service from Bombardier. One of the technicians there got me two fuel injectors when they were listed as "out" on the company's computerized inventory, and he air expressed them to my boat dealer which was really good service.

Today, my Ficht runs fine. It shows no signs of problems, and I have to admit, the fuel economy is incredible. I have two 26 gallon tanks in my Ranger and have NEVER used more than one tank since buying the boat, and I run everywhere from the Potomac to the 1000 Islands, a lot of "big water." So when gas prices went up this year I was GLAD I owned a Ficht from Evinrude.

Looking ahead, I am concerned about a "carbon buildup" problem reported in a major boating magazine, and this could mean cylinder problems in the future. I will update this if I have any more problems but right now, the motor is working fine. I would assume new engines will work okay.

Bottom line: Make sure you get a 5 year warranty when you buy this engine. That is a MUST.
Year Purchased: 2000
Amount Paid (US$): 9,000
Primary Environment of Use: Freshwater
Primary Location of Use: Large lakes and reservoirs
Primary Type of Use: Fishing
Length of Boat: 16-20 feet
Number of Hours Logged: 0-100 hours

posted 05-20-2002 03:59 PM ET (US)            

I purchassed a boat witha 1999 90 Ficht motor last year. I realize this is a different motor than yours, but still a Ficht. I have had no problems with mine and I was able to purchae a two year after market warrantee for $750.00, but this was only available through a boat dealer.