175 Ficht - repair or buy new?

[socaltroller]

First, thanks to the board for response to other post re: water in gas caused my 1998 Ficht to blow. Problem now is what to do.<br /><br />Dealer will repair w/new OMC (he still had leftover) powerhead incl rebuilt fuel injector etc for about $7,000. Will have pinned heads upgrade so I'll actually be ahead of my current 1998 configuration.<br /><br />Or, I have found "new" (leftover) 2001 Ficht 150hp w/2 yr Bombardier warranty for about $8,000, or new 2005 Ficht 150 w/3 yr warranty for $10,000. Motors will be plus shipping and local installation so estimate another $1,000. I believe my current controls etc will be OK w/ both these options.<br /><br />Any opinions on quality of 2001 vs older OMC Ficht vs Bombardier 2005? <br /><br />Taking into account I only put 200 hrs on engine in about 5 years I am reluctant to spend thousands more for 25hp less but also do not want to spend $7000 to repair 1998 motor. Need advice!

 

[JB]

Re: 175 Ficht - repair or buy new?

I believe that the 2001 Ficht engines were better than the bombs ('97-2000 Ficht V6s), but I don't want one of those either.<br /><br />I would get what I could in trade and go for an E-Tec 150 or Johnson 140 4 stroke. I think the controls are compatible but would get confirmation before making any move.<br /><br />I definitely would not spend $7,000 or $8,000 to have a Ficht 150 or 175 of any vintage. <br /><br />My SIL had miserable experience with Ficht 150s.. .3 powerheads in 2 years. The pain wasn't so much cost; That @#$%^&* ruined 2 vacations for his 3 boys and fish-crazy wife. He went to a carbed Johnny 150, has had zero problems in 4 years, and smiles every time he buys the extra gas. Broke engines use no fuel at all.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 175 Ficht - repair or buy new?

Bomb dropped the larger 4 strokes -- you may want to consider that when shopping.

 

[socaltroller]

Re: 175 Ficht - repair or buy new?

Unfortunately, carbed models not allowed on all lakes in Califonia. Need to stay with DI or 4-stroke EFI for 2006 EPA compliance.<br /><br />Also, no 150 or 175 E-tec available yet, only 90 or 200, and cost of 200 is $13,000 + shipping etc so double repair cost. Is E-tec really worth $2000 more than Bombardier 2005 Ficht? <br />Don't both have basically same 2 stroke DI technology?

 

[marcfish]

Re: 175 Ficht - repair or buy new?

The e-tec is a different bear all in it's own right and I love it. Instead of running the gas and oil mixture through the crankshaft area it only runs only the oil thru. This enables better lubrication and emmisions. The big plus for me is fogging with the push of a button. But I was too chicken to buy one and settled for a Honda BF 150 with less hole shot but proven reliability and low noise. New tech always scares me!