1998 Johnson FICHT 150

[vesnaver]

I am currently shopping for a used boat and have identified one with a '98 Johnson FICHT 150 on it. In speaking with a local dealer, they have cautioned me to stay away from this engine. Apparently there were lots of problems when they first came out. The dealer has since dropped the line. The current owner tells me that all manufacturer updates and upgrades have been done. I am new to boating and I do not want to make a big mistake that will either cost lots of $$$ to correct or impact the potential resale of the boat. Any advice?

 

[JB]

Re: 1998 Johnson FICHT 150

Howdy, Vteam.<br /><br />All of those updates and upgrades may have fixed a cursed engine, but. . . <br /><br />My son-in-law bought a boat last summer (against my advice) with a '98 Ficht 150 on it. He even got an extended warranty from the seller. The engine blew up after about 10 hours of operation, the warranty company offered him 5 grand, a rebuild would have cost over 6.<br /><br />This time he took my advice and got a new carbed Johnson 150. Not a problem since.<br /><br />Bottom line? I might accept that engine free, but I wouldn't pay for it.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[vesnaver]

Re: 1998 Johnson FICHT 150

Thanks Admiral! I am starting to get a consistent message here... Maybe I ought to take a pass on this one. Too bad though, the hull is in mint condition! Thanks again--V2