Hi fellas, been reading for a few day's kicking around (dreaming) of a newer boat. One of the threads here, I read one fellas post "avoid E-TECH's!", or something similar. Can someone elaborate as I can't find that thread to ask the poster.

Thanks

I have a 2008 E Tec and it has been a great outboard...there was a time when evinrude/johson made an outboard called the Ficht...in the 90's I think..but I am not expert...evidently from what I have read these were not very reliable outboards and subsequently tainted the Evinrude/Johnson brand...I have not have any issues with my Evinrude ETEC...overall has been reliable and dependable...much more so than the Mercury XR6, I had on my previous boat...still was a good motor, just a little more tempermental and did require more maintenance than my Evinrude. If you go to the Bass Boat Center website and look at any of the forums for the various outboards you will see all brands can have or have had various issues...anything mechanical is going to have issues sooner or later..

Thanks for the reply. I have read about the ficht problems in the early mid 90's engines. I currently have a 91 v6 135 optimax, I don't think you can kill, go figure.

I see a few boats I like, but they have the E TEch, so with that post in the back of my mind, kind of makes me worry. Wish I could find it again, but it could have just been the guy's personal experience rather than a known issue, I figure with all the bass fishermen here with boats, it would be a well known set of issues.

Thanks gain.

Pm James Biggs or check out his posts. I think he posted something like that a few months ago.

Thanks, do you recall where and what post? I will look for him in the mean time, TFF and THF don't have a member search that I have ever found, which would be a great enhancement.

G Rod, found him and made contact, thank you sir

I also have a 2008 E-Tec. Not a single issue. Sips fuel. Love it!! Lots of power

I agree, any engine can have trouble, some have a propensity for it and that is what I want to avoid. I haven't yet done the Google search on them, just the one, or two saying to avoid them here on TFF.

If you ask enough people you can find as many people that love one as hate one I have always been a merc guy but recently bought a ranger with a e-tech and love the power and performance of the boat. Have buddies that have had them for years and love them also.

I have a 2013 225 HO and I love it. No issues, awesome fuel milage, and it's fast, what more could I ask for? Don't believe everything you hear or read. Heck, some say Chevy, Ford, Dodge, just pick one!!

Their are owner forms you need to get on before buying one of these. Pull the cover off of an E-Tech and I see FITCH. Fitch
E-Tec

Not to hijack the thread or anything......Just curious, what was/is so bad about the FITCH motors?

once started, they blew up..