Question about this pair of outboards?

[icemanbryan]

Well, I might be going backwards on this but need some opinions.
I have a 95 Osprey 24.5
I have a 95 Yamaha 250 saltwater series 450 hours
I saw these on EBay last night and got to thinking.
Item number: 140694726315
Sorry don’t know how to add the link
Admin Edit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/140694726315

Would these motors be worth swapping out if these motors check out?
I would like to switch to a pair of outboards, don’t really want to buy new
(Would like to spend 10k or less)
Are these a good solid motor? I believe there were some years that had issues?
If these check out what should I do as they are installed, service wise?

Just kicking this idea around and would appreciate commits

Thanks much

Bryan

[seabob4]

Oh Lord Bryan, the old Ficht debate.  My opinion.  '98 was the first year they came out.  Horror stories abound about early Fichts.  What drove OMC into bankruptcy.   Blah, blah, blah...

My opinion also.  They've got 560 hours on them.  Historically, should they go that long, they are good to go...

So, that being said...others???

[icemanbryan]

Yeah, I heard these were what drove them to BK.
I just dont know??
I figured I will get the guys opinions and go from there
They are a low price and look OK.
I would have someone do a check out on them for sure.
Lets see what the guys have to say.....

Thanks much for the photo

[John Jones]

Oh Lord Bryan, the old Ficht debate.  My opinion.  '98 was the first year they came out.  Horror stories abound about early Fichts.  What drove OMC into bankruptcy.   Blah, blah, blah...

My opinion also.  They've got 560 hours on them.  Historically, should they go that long, they are good to go...

So, that being said...others???

Pretty much what he said.  Early years were time bombs but if they made 560 hrs they will probably run another 1000 if they were taken care of.

[fitz73222]

I tend to agree with the fact that they made it past the threshold. For some reason which still is a mystery is that the 175's were the problem children and the other models were very reliable within normal parameters. You can research and read till the Ficths come home. My perception would be that BRP wishes they were all dead by now and would be pricing parts to drive them into extinction. So my advice would be to make sure there is still adequate parts support either OEM or aftermarket. Since these appear to be OMC and not BRP redesigns be well educated about the issues.  The good news is that their reputation killed their resale value so you should be able to steal them. They look clean and cared for. Is it the original owner you are talking to?

[Blue Agave]

I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole. No matter how good the deal is, there is another deal around the corner. Patience my friend.

[Capt Matt]

Scary at best, stay away.  Even if they where free I would not pay to have them rigged on your boat its a big time gamble. The 560hrs on them breaks down to about 40hrs a yr or 3.5hrs a month x 14yrs. I bet half that time is at the mechanic running at idle.
Whats wrong with your 250 yami?  with only 450hrs at least its a known entity where as the twins are totally unknown with only a very dark history of owner nightmares.
Capt Matt

[icemanbryan]

I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole. No matter how good the deal is, there is another deal around the corner. Patience my friend.

Yeah, I hear you.
I am not in a hurry

[icemanbryan]

Scary at best, stay away.  Even if they where free I would not pay to have them rigged on your boat its a big time gamble. The 560hrs on them breaks down to about 40hrs a yr or 3.5hrs a month x 14yrs. I bet half that time is at the mechanic running at idle.
Whats wrong with your 250 yami?  with only 450hrs at least its a known entity where as the twins are totally unknown with only a very dark history of owner nightmares.
Capt Matt

Well Matt, you are correct, they have a bad history.
I think that is what is stopping me at this point.

There is nothing wrong with my Yamaha, in fact it runs perfect!
I really want to switch to a pair of outboards.
I am in no hurry, just saw these and got the gears turning, I can wait and find a better set.

There was a guy on Bloody Decks? had a nice clean pair of Mercury 200's
Those would move my Osprey real nice
Just not sure about the boat insurance issues??

[seagate]

whats wrong with your Yamaha those were great motors.FICHT were not that hot I run Johnson/evenrude myself but wouldn't take a chance with them.You could always add a kicker that would be cheaper with same safety factor.Running twins cost alot more in gas too.

[gran398]

Scary at best, stay away.  Even if they where free I would not pay to have them rigged on your boat its a big time gamble. The 560hrs on them breaks down to about 40hrs a yr or 3.5hrs a month x 14yrs. I bet half that time is at the mechanic running at idle.
Whats wrong with your 250 yami?  with only 450hrs at least its a known entity where as the twins are totally unknown with only a very dark history of owner nightmares.
Capt Matt

Well Matt, you are correct, they have a bad history.
I think that is what is stopping me at this point.

There is nothing wrong with my Yamaha, in fact it runs perfect!
I really want to switch to a pair of outboards.
I am in no hurry, just saw these and got the gears turning, I can wait and find a better set.

There was a guy on Bloody Decks? had a nice clean pair of Mercury 200's
Those would move my Osprey real nice



Just not sure about the boat insurance issues??

Bryan, whatever pair you decide upon....you will love twin engines.

[seabob4]

200s would be sweet.  I always pushed for them on the 245/250 when I was at AS...

I can get you a new HP/Capacity plate if you are thinking along those lines.

Max HP...400

[icemanbryan]

Bob, yes very much so.
 There is a guy in up in WA
He has a real nice very well maintained pair.
Like 02 200 Merc’s saltwater series?
He had them for sale before I went to HI for my dad’s 80th last month.
I believe he had them for sale on Bloody Decks?
I was interested in them but was leaving.
I will try to find them again

Thanks Bryan

200s would be sweet.  I always pushed for them on the 245/250 when I was at AS...

I can get you a new HP/Capacity plate if you are thinking along those lines.

Max HP...400

[seabob4]

Bryan,
Gotta contact my friend Doug Smith up in Missouri (think they pronounce that misery).  He used to make us temporary plates until we could get the NMMA ones...

Need persons capacity, max weight, all the rest of the chit off the old plate.  If it's in good shape, a pic will do...

Get any Ahi over there?

[icemanbryan]

OK will do
I got a nice 38 lb yellowfin
I ate most of it I think

Bryan,
Gotta contact my friend Doug Smith up in Missouri (think they pronounce that misery).  He used to make us temporary plates until we could get the NMMA ones...

Need persons capacity, max weight, all the rest of the chit off the old plate.  If it's in good shape, a pic will do...

Get any Ahi over there?