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I just purchased my first boat - an 1989 Outrage 18 with a blown Yahama 150. I got a great deal on it because the engine was blown, but otherwise the boat is in excellent condition. Not a scratch on it.
One of the local marine shops has a 1999 Evinrude Ficht 175 and the powerhead was rebuilt in 2002. I could get a good deal on it. But is a 175 Ficht a good motor for my 18? Yes, the boat is rated for 150 but none of the local marine shops has a used 150 and I'm itching to get her in the water. Can't afford a brand new one right now. Fall fishing is here.
The 1998/1999 150 & 175 FICHT is the motor that bankrupted OMC. Basically every one of them blew the power head after a short time period. I don't know about the reliability of the repaired units.
(moderator note: changed the abbreviated year to the full 4 digit year)
Don't even think about it.
I had a 1998 175 Ficht, blew 3 powerheads. None lasted more than 40 hours. The last one blew at 18 hours.
I have a good friend who was an OMC dealer, and he worked a deal with OMC to replace the blown 175 motor with a new 200 HP Ficht, with me only paying the difference in base price between a 175 and 200HP. I then immediately sold the entire rig and bought a new, different, boat with a 225 Yamaha.
(moderator note: changed the abbreviated year to the full 4 digit year)
Edited by Joe Kriz on 10/16/13 - 2:42 PM
Randy
South Texas
The Ficht engines certainly had their issues. But the thinking is that if the engine is still running well after a couple hundred hours, it's one of the survivors and may be worth considering depending on the price.
Buying a used outboard is a crap shoot plain and simple, unless YOU know where it came from and WHO had used it. Do some projects on the hull and check around this winter (January-February) for deals as dealers need income at that time of year. Also consider that with a new engine you will get the latest and greatest technology and Warranty with the engine. Used- you might get 30 days or the first time it hits the water. Been there, good luck.
