Pontoon Repower

1

1966starcraft18ft

Seaman
Joined
Jul 22, 2012
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70
Hey guys and gals.

I have a 1998 MonArch SunSpa 260 pontoon with a 1988 force 125 on it. I looking to repower it with a different brand( and hopefully newer) outboard in the 150 hp variety.

I’ve been eyeing a few different Johnson outboards , in the yr range of 2000-2003ish, for sale on EBay by Bostonharbormarine. My questions are,
1. When did the Fitcht come out and anything I should be mindful of?
2. Anybody have history/opinions with this seller and the validity of the ads?
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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agree, stay away from Ficht. that is what killed OMC in the mid 90s

Ficht came out in 1997 model year, so mid 1996.
 
S

saltchuckmatt

Captain
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1966starcraft18ft said:
Hey guys and gals.

I have a 1998 MonArch SunSpa 260 pontoon with a 1988 force 125 on it. I looking to repower it with a different brand( and hopefully newer) outboard in the 150 hp variety.

I’ve been eyeing a few different Johnson outboards , in the yr range of 2000-2003ish, for sale on EBay by Bostonharbormarine. My questions are,
1. When did the Fitcht come out and anything I should be mindful of?
2. Anybody have history/opinions with this seller and the validity of the ads?
Click to expand...
Pretty sure johnson never made the Ficht motor and I believe Evinrude came out with that model in 1996.

You don't want the motor though just in case you don't know.

Lots of great JohnnyRude's out there though.
 
jimmbo

jimmbo

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14,060
saltchuckmatt said:
Pretty sure johnson never made the Ficht motor and I believe Evinrude came out with that model in 1996.

You don't want the motor though just in case you don't know.

Lots of great JohnnyRude's out there though.
Click to expand...
FICHT was released for the 1997 Model Year, by both Evinrude and Johnson.
1762452679698.png
 
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1

1966starcraft18ft

Seaman
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Jul 22, 2012
Messages
70
I can say that the ones I’ve been looking are are carbed engines. Carbs are simple. They do show compression readings on the motors and they are consistent across the board on the ones I’m looking at. What are the compression readings supposed to be so I know going forward?
 
jimmbo

jimmbo

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1966starcraft18ft said:
www.ebay.com

2000 Johnson 150 hp Evinrude Carbureted Outboard Motor Engine 25" Runs Need Work | eBay

Has compression and does run but not great. We believe it needs carburetor work. Top cowling is in poor condition. 2000 Johnson 150 hp Evinrude Carbureted Outboard engine, not a FICHT. Engine is running, but not well.
www.ebay.com

Here’s a link to one motor I’ve been looking at.
Click to expand...
It does say "For Parts, or Not Working" Many engines that are completely pooched, were running fine until then...
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

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There is an extra "0" on that price
 
S

saltchuckmatt

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Agreed with the above experts. In my neighborhood those go for $200 or whatever the market can bare for parts. Fine motor in its day though. The backbone of the JohnnyRude line.

140 to 100.... I'd look for 120 min.

Many on here say that it isn't that high and I'm not sure what their talking about.

Ebay isn't your friend here, you need to shop locally assuming you live in an area that has stock.
 
A

airshot

Admiral
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Jul 22, 2008
Messages
6,085
Use lots of caution and do a thorough inspection....your looking at motors that are 25 years old ! Nice ones are out there here, but hard to find and go quickly. Why Johnny dudes ? Much better selection on Mercs, more popular and more sold, so more to choose from...good luck
 
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