Johnson 4 Stroke or Evinrude Ficht

[doogal]

I'm looking to upgrade my 1996 115hp Johnson 2 stroke (good performance but it smokes too much at low revs) which sits on an 18ft plate aluminium runabout. Based on price alone, replacement with a 2003 115 hp Johnson 4 stroke or 2002 (still new) 115hp Evinrude Ficht are my best options, but a decision between these two is proving difficult. Any input to help make a decision is appreciated.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Doogal.

 

[JB]

Re: Johnson 4 Stroke or Evinrude Ficht

In my experience, Doogal, once you have used a 4 stroke you are hooked for life.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Johnson 4 Stroke or Evinrude Ficht

no doubt the 4 stroke is a quality product. suggest before you make the final decision put some bricks at the transom equal to the difference in the weight of your present motor and the 4 stroke. see how it handels at low speeds. can make quite a difference. wish i had done that before i invested in a new motor.

 

[JB]

Re: Johnson 4 Stroke or Evinrude Ficht

The weight of the 115 'Rude DFI and the 115 Johnny EFI 4 stroke are 336lb and 416lb. The weight of the oil and tank for the 'Rude is probably about 30lb.<br /><br />Result? About 50lb difference<br /><br />The 115 carbed Johnny weighs 319lb.<br /><br />The 100 lb difference is a small passenger or 16 gallons of gas.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[aero320]

Re: Johnson 4 Stroke or Evinrude Ficht

Doogal:<br /><br />I went from a Ficht 175 to the Johnson 140 four stroke this spring and will never go back to a 2-stroke again. The Johson 140 actually weighs a little less than the 115 four stroke. If your boat is rated for 140, that might be a good choice. I also considered the 115 four stroke, 115 Ficht and 115 carbed Johnson. My second choice would have been the 115 carbed Johnson because I could actually work on it myself in the future if need be. The Johnson four strokes are actually Suzuki's (DF115 is the 115 model). The Suzuki web site has a lot of information on the engine mounted on different boats. The Fichts just have too much potential for problems long term. My Ficht blew up for the fourth time and I said "enough is enough".<br /><br />Go to the Johnson/Evinrude section on Boatsetup.com and see how many postings are there concerning Fichts.<br /><br />The four stroke engines are very quiet at idle and have lots of mid-range power. Also, fuel consumption is very good.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Johnson 4 Stroke or Evinrude Ficht

I replaced a Johnson 120vro with a 2003 Johnson 115 4 stroke on a 18.5 glass cuddy. I am very happy with the motor. It just starts right up, no smoke, will troll quietly, and is easy on gas. It would be plenty of power for your boat. I haven't heard of any issues with the Suzuki/Johnson motors. I hope their relationship includes the new bigger engines that Suzuki is just coming out with. Good luck with whatever you buy.

 

[manitoba1]

Re: Johnson 4 Stroke or Evinrude Ficht

If you purchase the 4 stroke you'll never regret the decision. Although I've got only a 70 hp Suzuki which manufactures the Johnson engine, I've found the smoothness, economy, quietness and excellent power made my boating more enjoyable than it ever was with my old 2 stroke. The Johnson 4 stroke has digital fuel injection which not only starts better that you'd ever imagine (no choke) but these engines have smooth acceleration. My 70 hp stroke has made me a believer. I'm sure the 115 would be equally as good for your rig.

 

[doogal]

Re: Johnson 4 Stroke or Evinrude Ficht

Thanks for the replies fellas. I'm certainly leaning towards the 4 stroke now and will explore the option of the 140hp. With 4 divers and gear onboard in a following sea, more grunt may prove useful.