merc vs evinrude

[Dhadley]

Re: merc vs evinrude

I dont think anybody saw this one coming but if you think about it, that was the next logical step.

 

[ziemann]

Re: merc vs evinrude

It is true that early Opti's and FICHT technology suffered from reliability problems. I think we can all agree that FICHT was the primary reason for the downfall of OMC. BRP had to make this move to prove themselves and rid themselves of the FICHT monkey that was on their back. I think we can all also agree that BRP has accomplished this with E-Tec. <br /><br />Honestly, Opti's have been extremely reliable the last few years. You really can't go wrong either way. E-Tec is a newer technology and therefore has gotten the bulk of the press, but either way, you will be happy. <br /><br />Dealer quality/ service should play a role in your decision...

 

[Scali]

Re: merc vs evinrude

Z Man, FICHT & Cobra outdrives { & other reasons } did OMC in.<br />I had a Cobra drive that unit had more shifter cable, gear clashing issues then you would believe, OMC replaced all gear sets on that drive as a recall & it still never worked right, cost them millions..

 

[PierBridge]

Re: merc vs evinrude

I wonder if this will help you decide.<br /><br /><br />Per an article in the Milwaukee Paper on 4-5-2005 the parent company of Evinrude and E-TEC engines announced it will no longer sell motors to Lund, Crestliner and Lowe brands which are owned by Mercury Marine, Inc. After June 30th no orders from the afore-mentioned will be accepted.<br /><br />The Evinrude decision was a plan to support independent boat builders rather the brands that Mercury owns and per Evinrude, the independents are our best customers. In addition, the Evinrude folks said in January it would not sell outboards to three other brands owned by Mercury/Brunswick. Per Evinrude, the massive boat purchases by Brunswick from Irwin Jacobs have destroyed competition in the industry and it is their decision to support the independent boat manufacturers.<br /><br />Anyway, I don't know what to think. I was all set to buy an Evinrude E-TEC 90HP and a Crestliner Fish Hawk, and doubt this announcement will help Evinrude. <br /><br />Your opinions, comments and insight would be appreciated.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: merc vs evinrude

Originally posted by richard 1:<br /> i heard the e-tec is the best you can buy

No doubt... that's why they've taken the already outrageous prices of outboards to a new level. Now, if they were offering better technology for the same price, I'd be impressed.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: merc vs evinrude

No doubt... that's why they've taken the already outrageous prices of outboards to a new level. Now, if they were offering better technology for the same price, I'd be impressed.

no doubt !!!!<br /><br />my dealer wanted 16,000 for a 2005 etec 200hp rigged and ready to go!<br /><br />sheesh! my whole boat with 225 outboard on the back was only 2800!!!!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: merc vs evinrude

Guys, make NO mistake about it. Ficht was NOT the lone reason for the downfall of OMC. Not even close. Neither was the Cobra. OMC's troubles started back in the 70's when "business managers" (read as accountants) took over. They went from a service driven company to a sales driven (numbers) company. Engineering was no longer allowed to talk to sales or service. And vise, vise versa. <br /><br />"Business managers" from the aircraft industry and the appliance industry were brought in to run (ruin) the company. People who knew nothing about the marine business. Number crunchers. Sell more units -- regardless.<br /><br />Service is what made OMC. Number hungry management is what killed it.

 

[Scali]

Re: merc vs evinrude

Dhadley,<br />if you read my post I added Cobra drives "& other reasons" no doubt they had problems with the suits so to speak .. It's a shame..They were a great American co. <br />Well now our neighbors to the north are doing a great job rejuvinating the OMC name with the E TEC & others....