Honda or Ficht?

[ocuyler]

Thanks guys, for all your input. I pulled out the 89 200 Yamaha and re-examimed it's condition and potentail useful life. The compression was within spec for a new motor and as far as I can tell, it's in very good condition and has similar performance to the motors we have considered here except fuel consuption, which is probably 20% less.

So, I'm going with it for whatever summer we get this season and wait to see how the Suzuki and Mercury entries look at the shows this winter.

If I HAD to buy a motor for this boat today, I would go with the 250 Yamaha HPDI with the greatest confidence. My second choice would be the Ficht DI 250.

Thanks again.

[Reel Smoker]

I agree with Joe I tend to pull for the HPDI's one of the main reasons is getting up and going quick., this is probably the way ill go when I repower I'm going to wait until next year Bombardier will be putting out there 250 E-tec.To me service is the main reason I have to stick with Bombardier.

[Hooper]

Otto-

I bought a 2003 Evinrude 225 for my 23 CC. I love it and here's why.

1.) SEVEN year standard warranty. Yes it was a promotion, but still, it didn't cost me anything. They believe in what they are selling.

2.) The marina in my river deals in 'rudes. He gave me a great deal, $12,100 and he believes in them and I trust him.

3.) Weight. My 23 is notched at the transom. I am very aware of weigh back there. Four bangers are just too heavy for this boat in my opinion.

4.) The fuel economy is excellent. I have put 100 hours on it now and just changed the plugs. My fuel economy has improved markedly. Although I don't have a fuel management system yet, I can see it in my wallet.

5.) The boat flies like the wind. If I am running it at 4500 rpm, I get 29kts. At 4200, its 26kts. For me, that is excellent speed.

I would be happy to talk about this engine anytime. E-Mail me at ggibbons@attbi.com or feel free to call me at home 508.760.0671

I hear ya about the $$$$ factor, big purchases can be scary!!!!! My poor wife...that's all I will say about that.... [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Best of luck no matter what you do, Honda is a great motor too.

-Hooper

[ScottM]

Otto,
I think you're doing the right thing. If everything checks out with the Yami - compression, leak down, etc., then run her till she dies. My brother's buddy has a '87 Yami 200 with over 1,000 hours and it runs like a top. That is a really good engine you have. As we all know, a new OB is a huge expense so why not put it off until you HAVE to?

[ocuyler]

Scott,

Thanks. I've been told that this motor is a keeper if it's well maintained. That's me, Mr. Preventative Maintainence. A little paint job and my ass won't know the difference, but my home equity line sure will.

Thanks again.

[John R]

RS - I thought the 250 ETEC was more than a couple years away. I thought next year or the year after they were going to do the mid-range engines and then the bigguns after that...

[barnacle]

2004 etech engines will be up to 90hp. They say 2005 the bigger engines will be etech

[Reel Smoker]

I thought they told me 2004, but maybe I misunderstood, Im sure Joe is on top of this. I gotta wait an extra year, maybe Ill just wait until they run another 7 year deal and go with a 250 Ficth. Joe, do you know if they are going to run the promo again?

[ScottM]

Hey Otto,
Looks like we'll be checking out the 250 HPDI in the next few days. Our engine, like yours, was one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" scenarios...until Saturday morning. The intake manifold developed a small hole in it which is going to be a $2,000 repair job. Dad decided it's not worth fixing, so we're in the market for a new engine. I'll let you know what we decide on.

[Ed]

Hey Scott-
Sorry to hear about your motor (bummer). I am sure you will be calling of the usual places.....Monahans, Baert but dont forget about Hudson's Outboard. I know they have a few HPDI's in stock.

Also, you may want to check out www.boats.net...they sell Yami outboards for very cheap. I think it costs $250 to have them shipped up from FLorida.

Lastly, there was a posting on here from some guy on the Cape who just bought a 250 HPDI from some dealer in Florida for $12,600. You may want to contact them and see what they have.

IF I WERE YOU.....since you are going to have to raise your "modified" transom from 20 inches to 25 inches.....I would buy a motor with a 30 inch shaft and raise the transom to 30 inches. SOmetimes, you can get a better deal on 30 inch shaft motor because they dont move as many of them.