1999 Evinrude 200's???

[Boilermaker]

I am looking at purchasing a boat with twin Evinrude 200's that have aprox 220 hrs on them. How reliable are these engines??? I know that there were reliability issues with the late modle OMC engines and am not sure if these fit into that trouble period??? The current owner claims to have had the engines serviced every year at the dealer.
The engines are mounted on the back of a 26 ft Hydrosport walkaround. The owner is looking for about $34K and I'd hate to spend that much and have to repower in a year or two.
Am I looking at a solid pair of engines or a crapshot on reliability???

Thanks
Jim

 

[muskrat]

Re: 1999 Evinrude 200's???

I would price the boat on if you were going to replace motors.......

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1999 Evinrude 200's???

If the motors are carbed rather than FICHT, they are a good reliable design. Do a compression test and see them run. A water test is also a very good idea.

Oh yeah, make sure your gas credit cards are well rested.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1999 Evinrude 200's???

Do a search on FICHT if that is what these motors are.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: 1999 Evinrude 200's???

Yes, they are FICHT injected engines. I thought that they were bad right away, or they were good (if they are running good after 200hrs>>they should last???) .
Is my thinking backwards here???
This boat should run in the 50mph range & I don't have a need for that kind of speed. I was under the idea of fuel injected engines run at a lower rpm range, say around 4000rpm, should give pretty good fuel economy (if thats what you want to call it). I Know it will be a much bigger fuel bill then my 18ft boat with a 1978 115hp johnson...but I tend to run that boat at higher rpms & speeds, and its a fuel hound when the throttle is opened.
I wanted a twin engine boat for off shore fishing & I know that Hydrosports are considered very stable platforms in the ocean.
Thanks for the replys!

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: 1999 Evinrude 200's???

I've heard a lot of bad things about Ficht engines. I would personally steer clear of them.