Did I make a uneducated purchase:2001 225 ficht

[ridefast104]

I just pullled the trigger! purchased a 23ft Seaswirl walkaround, the motor is a 2001 Evinrude 225 FICHT/RAM..146 hours on the motor...dealer checked out the motor and everything looks great!.....I am now hearing alot of bad press about the ficht, however my buddy says it was in the 97-98 models that had problems?? I wont be able to ride the boat until spring-- here in Michigan ...any opinions out there-I cant sleep!!! Thanks DP

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Did I make a uneducated purchase:2001 225 ficht

most I hear about the BRP225 motors is good. the 97-99 had a fair share of problems<br /> I know a few boats here that run them and they seem ok. no worse than some others

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Did I make a uneducated purchase:2001 225 ficht

The 2001 is a great motor. It has the 3.3L block and is a lot stronger than earlier 225's.<br /><br />Ask for the computer report to be printed for you. It will show the hours on the motor, what % of time spent at different rpms, and any error codes that may show up.<br /><br />When you get it, find a trained tech and ask him to go over the motor with a fine toothed comb. Use the XD-50 oil that is designed for your motor and make sure the prop allows the motor to turn close to 6000 rpm with a full tank of fuel.

 

[ridefast104]

Re: Did I make a uneducated purchase:2001 225 ficht

Seahorse, one more question, I have the computer printout and of the 146 hours on the motor 58% was a very low rpm, trolling speeds , is this a bad thing? Thanks.DP

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Did I make a uneducated purchase:2001 225 ficht

No, most fishing use motors will have 70-80% of their time below 2000 rpm. You do want to see a lot of time in the 4-6K range showing the engine was used for cruising and not just idleing.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Did I make a uneducated purchase:2001 225 ficht

Don't want to keep you from losing any more sleep then need be!!!!<br />I'm no outboard mechanic but,learned alot from the guys in the outboard section!!! Anything older then a 2003 ficht is questionable, if bombadier didn't make it, it's questionable!!!!! johnson/evinrude had very poor quailty control!!!!<br /><br />I had a used 2000 ficht and blew 2 powerheads, 1st had 200hrs., the 2nd blew after 25hrs. <br /><br />You should decarb every 60-100hrs. depending on if you troll alot!!! It's an absolute must to decarb the ficht!!!!<br /><br />I bought a 2003 ficht new!!! I need to replace my plugs every 50-60hrs.I've noticed that with new plugs she kicks over on the 1st try!!!! Once I get near the 50-60hrs. it takes 4-6 kicks to start!!! also noticed the differance in gap of plugs!! when new they are gaped at about 28-30!!! After 60hrs. they have exspanded to a gap of 55-60!!!!<br /><br />Always buy new!!! Use the 1st half of engine life and sell the 2nd half!!!!

 

[ridefast104]

Re: Did I make a uneducated purchase:2001 225 ficht

FLYROD,......... JUST CURIOUS.WAS YOUR MOTOR A 150 OR 225? AND ALSO WHAT DOES A NEW POWER HEAD COST? DP

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Did I make a uneducated purchase:2001 225 ficht

The 2000 ficht was a 225hp!!!!<br /><br />Cost for new powerhead approx. $9,000-10,000.00 also using accesories from old powerhead<br /><br />Bombardier picked up the cost of the new powerhead and it cost me 1,200.00 for labor!!!<br /><br />As soon as they finished it I traded for a new 2003 which listed for 14,000.00!!! Ended up paying 4000 out of pocket, 3 year warranty and I took the rebate of 7.00 per hp!!!!

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Did I make a uneducated purchase:2001 225 ficht

One other note about "BOMBARDIER"!!! <br /><br />They didn't have to do what they did for me on the powerhead!!! The warranty was with the orginal owner and that is with most powerhead replacements!!!!!