later model johnson and evinrude engines

[freds]

is there any late model johnson or evinrude engine that a person should avoid buying.i have had several people tell me the ficht engine broke the company.the reason i am asking is i have a uncle that is buying a boat with a 1998 evinrude vindicator 225 hp.other people have told me as long as you dont buy one of the ficht engines you will be fine. thanks for any info.

[otis44]

is there any late model johnson or evinrude engine that a person should avoid buying.i have had several people tell me the ficht engine broke the company.the reason i am asking is i have a uncle that is buying a boat with a 1998 evinrude vindicator 225 hp.other people have told me as long as you dont buy one of the ficht engines you will be fine. thanks for any info.

You're pretty much right. Can't say the ficht motors solely broke OMC but they surely didn't help. A few people have had good luck with them, and certain years are better than others, but as a whole i'd say they are/were a lemon. The carb motors right up to the time OMC quit, were fine, same ole bullett proof technology.

[CTFSHWHISKER]

i ran my 96 200 johnson hard for 5 years til it blew,bought another powerhead and ran it for for 4 and lghtly to hardley used the last 21/2 and it has always been darn good.they love gas if you run it wot very long.
the ficht motor and fouled up extreme hulls is what killed omc boat group.