1998 Conquest 21 Known Defect

[rathrBfishing]

I may buy a 1998 Conquest 21 with an Evinrude 175-HP engine.

What are known defects in a 1998 CONQUEST 21?

What are known defects in a Evinrude 175-HP engine?

[jimh]

For advice on buying a used Boston Whaler boat, a used outboard engine, a used trailer, and various used accessories, see

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/buying.html

[NorthShoreWhaler]

Do research on the outboard engine.

Some early Evinrude FICHT engines had problems. They were first produced in 1997 I believe.

[Jefecinco]

If the engine is a FICHT and is in service after 24 years it was not one of those prone to problems and has likely had the upgrades recommended by Evinrude to improve reliability. The part on the FICHT engines most prone to early failure is the ECM which can fail if it becomes overheated. Many FICHT ECMs are water cooled. The cooling water passageways can become restricted by mud or other waterborne debris picked up in the cooling water system. Inspecting for the problem is relatively easy. The ECM can be removed and the passageways visually inspected. If there is any material it can be removed by careful cleaning with a pipe cleaner or similar item.

Before going to the effort to inspect the ECM I recommend you determine if it is water cooled.

[jimh]

With no information provided about the engine other than horsepower and brand, it seems inappropriate to divert the discussion into the history of a particular model of Evinrude engine. If the OP needs good advice about the engine, the OP should give more information about the engine.

[jimh]

If the engine is...in service after 24 years it was not one of those prone to problems ...

Very good point. Any engine still in working order 24-years after it was manufactured would seem to be an engine that so far has avoided catastrophic failure. That engine must not have any defects.

Predicting how much longer any 24-year-old engine will continue to operate normally will be quite speculative.