bassnfool Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 In September of 2006, my 2001 Evinrude 200HP Ficht broke a ring at 230 hours total time. Evinrude (Bombardier) had no problem telling me that even though the engine only had 230 hours on it the problem wouldn't be covered in any way. I had it fixed and a top overhaul for $2000.00. Needless to say that after having Evinrude outboards since 1988 I was little disappointed. I'm happy to tell everyone that my new boat is powered by a 225 Mercury Optimax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-Reel Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Merc's rule, I still run a carberated Black Max 150, and she runs like a new one. Keep in mind I think Mercury 2 cycle oil has alot to do with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassSniperLures Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Well I'm gonna go against the grain here and say I haven't had any problem with any of my previous Evinrudes and couldn't be happier with them. E-Tecs rock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicroSalm Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Can you say Ford or Chevy? I have a Merc 200xri and there aren't enough characters allowed in this post to explain all of the problems that I have had with my Mercury. Anyways, I think with the emergence of the E-Tec and all that has been re-engineered, Merc will take a second look at there products AGAIN and we, the customers, will finally get a quality product in boat motors. I keep my Merc for two reasons. One Fond du Lac is 45 minutes away from me (Main plant of Merc.) and I get my motor back to me in less from my buddy who's a Merc dealer in less than 30 hours (usually). Secondly, my wife would kill me if I bought a new motor and/or boat. You must admit Evinrude has a good infomercial out there. Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basskat Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 I ran Johnson/Evinrudes for over 20 years. Then along came the FICHT, SOB blew three times, the last time they took their sweet time taking care of it. After that I went with the Optimax, it gave me trouble for two years. Now I'm running the Yahama. Great company to deal with and it runs like a top. Guess they all have lemons, but at least I've got a dealer who takes care of his customers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxfish Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 I raced yamaha motorcycles for years in the deserts of Southern California and never toasted a one of them, so figured a yamaha would be good on my Ranger, and so far I'm right. My 200 HPDI runs perfect. Ironically, my friend blew up his Evinrude this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsinyard Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 I know a bunch of guys who have had problems with the FICHT. I think it was a bad motor all around. I have always had a mercury until I bought my 2005 Ranger and I got a deal from Honda to run their motor. I have been satisfied with the gas mileage but it doesnt have the git up and go like the mercury. Like basskat said, every company has their lemons. The difference is having a dealer that will stand behind you when you have trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lure--Prof Posted February 13, 2007 Report Share Posted February 13, 2007 Bassnfool, FICHT is what bankrupted OMC. Your Evinrude was manufactured by a corporation which went broke. We're lucky Bombardier came along and bought the Evinrude name, if for no other reason than it at least gives us another player in the outboard industry. The emergence of the ETEC should keep Merc, and the others on its toes too. In big motors, I've owned Evinrude, Mercury, and Yamaha. The Yamaha was the only one that was completely trouble free. Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
