1985 23 sceptre with 2000 Evinrude 150's
 

New member looking to jump in with both feet. I've read horror stories on the motors but I think they are good to go. According to the only two owners they have had all of the upgrades and no major problems. Same with the boat. No problems to mention. What can you tell me about the '85 model?
Thanks for any advise and info

2000 vintage motors would have been built by BRP. Good motors and a big improvement in quality over the late 90's OMC motors! This info is directly from a colleague of mine who was the chief engineer at their test center in Stuart, Fl. when BRP took over. He said BRP really cleaned house when they took over and scrapped many vendor-supplied parts in the inventory that were outside allowable tolerances!

Unless they're FICHT.

And that's what they are. I thought the transition was around 2001 or after.
What about the boat?

Sceptres are great hull layouts and as long as everything is solid it's a good start. Motor wise you have to consider they are 17 years old as that is a little long in the tooth for any power plant. The FICHT thing... ehh, they could be fine or just fine for a little while. They don't add a lot of value to the rig so make sure your not paying much for them.

BRP Evi's started in 2002

OMC year 2000........no sir I believe you'd want to avoid those motors.

Wasn't till Bombardier took over ......2002,03,04 ok.....then the new model Etec in 2005.
Parts prior to 2005 may be harder to find.

I had a 2004 200 and it was a fine motor....so believe I'm reasonably qualified to comment.
Now running 2005 200 HO Etec and its a winner. Evinrude seems to have gotten it right from the 1st year out......starts instantly, idles smooth immediately as if already warm, and performs great.

Etec G2.......from what I read, even better.....and at least 15 % better fuel economy again.