Evinrude Fitch

[deshet]

I have a chance to buy a 2001 Evinrude Fitch 175 for $2600. This is far less then retail. It was one of a pair the other motor blew up. I really don't know what to do. The good motor checks out good. But will it blew up soon also. Is the Fuel savings that much better on a Fitch versus a Ocean Runner. I know the ocean runners were good engines. Let me know what you would do.

Should all the controls from the a 1996 Ocean Runner work on a 2001 FITCHE 175

I also know that Yamaha is what everyone wants to see on the back of a boat regardless of the year.

I also have a chance to get a 140 Johnson 4 stroke for about $4500.

What would a V21 be worth with the 4 stroke sitting on a 03 aluminum dual axle trailer?
Would it be worth at least 2,000 more then the fitch setup?

Thanks

[chumbucket]

I'm pretty certain your controls from the '96 will work on the newer motor.
From a personal standpoint, I think it's a matter of preference. Do you want speed or fuel economy? There were lots of problems with the Ficht motors. This particular motor you're looking at may have had the updates done. I think you'd need a qualified mechanic or dealer to check that out for you. The 140 Four stroke motor (which is a Suzuki with Johnson/Evinrude labels on the cover) has a reputation of being a very reliable/economical motor. We have a couple of site members here with that same combo. Randalmanboater for one. All have mostly nothing but good things to say about them.
From a resale viewpoint, if you're planning on repowering and selling very shortly thereafter, the extra $2000 probably isn't worth it. If you're planning to continue ownership for a while and selling later on, the Four Stroke motor may be a better value. You'll probably get much better fuel economy and a potential buyer later on would most likely view it the same with this economic outlook we are having right now.
If both motors were hypothetically equal good condition and with no issues, I might consider biting the bullet and buying the more expensive motor. Again, that also depends on your forecast for length of ownership.

[deshet]

Chumbucket,

I was think the same thing. Is the V21 much heavier then the V20. Does any have true numbers for the V20 with a suzuki 140.

Alot of people are telling me that the 140 is week they all want to sell me yamaha 150. I agree the yamaha is more power but you can't get a deal on a yamamha 150.

One guy is selling his 140 suzuki because it would not push his 22' Mako fast enough. I not into top speed but I would like to cruise in the high 20's. I would like to see the 30's at WOT.

Thanks

[bigshrimpin]

my personal opinion is to stay far away from the Ficht. There might be some fuel savings, but the headaches and maintenance will eat up any $$$ saved from the better fuel economy.

Also some things to consider . . .

Oil is $45/gallon.
Spark plugs must be indexed (takes 12 to find 6 good ones) @ $7 each.
What is price of a month of missed fishing trips (when the ficht computer craps out)?

[THEFERMANATOR]

FICHT= Lower resale value The BRP engines from 03+ are good engines, with good resale value. The 97-99 FICHTS espescially the 150/175's should be avoided for the most part. Some of the early engines were good, but most of them have EMM issues from time to time. 00-02 were better, and MUCh improved if they have the updates.

[bradford]

Even if the Ficht checks out, a future buyer will have all his buddies telling him to stay away from it. I'd go with the 140 4-stroke. When propped right it should push the boat well and get good fuel milege, and have good resale value. The V21 was the same hull as the V20. The V21 had a sort of factory bracket built into the stern and a different liner and cap, but I would think the weight would generally be about the same.

[cterrebonne]

with the ficht if you cranker her up on the hose every other week and run a DFI oil through her theres no reason why she shouldnt last as long as the 4 stroke. you will also theoretically have 2000 or so dollars saved which could cover numerous parts that might go wrong. on the other hand if that ficht doesnt have the electronics in the emm i would stay away from it. if you have a serial or model number on her pm it to me and i can tell you what set up it has.

[randlemanboater]

BUY THE 140 4 STROKE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love mine.

Top speed on the V-20 is 40 mph and I get 5 mpg cruising 20-28 mph.

I doubt the V-21 weighs much more, the extra foot came from the "engine bracket".

[bigshrimpin]

here's a ficht with only 220 hours and perfect compression :0

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Evinr...3911.m14.l1318



Description
Up for bid is an Evinrude 150HP 25" Shaft Outboard Ficht Motor that had caught on fire. An injector had fell off, filled the cover with fuel and caught fire. There are many good parts and rigging items that are still good. The power head is in good shape, the compression is: 1-120 2-119 3-117 4-112 5-122 6-115. The motor currently has 220 hours on it. The motor comes with binnacle control with key switch, cables, tach, and prop. The model number is E150FPXSSM serial is #04864082. Shipping is available.

When requesting a shipping rate quote, be sure to include zip code. Please specify if it***8217;s a business address, residential and if a lift gate is needed. Local pick up OK but is subject to 7% RI sales tax on winning bid amount. Good Luck!

[THEFERMANATOR]

And don't forget about the recall on the fuel rail for fuel leaks and fires.