later model johnson and evinrude engines

[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.