Looking for a review of 1998 Johnson 115 FICHT Ocean Runner

[fiscste]

I'm looking at a crestliner with a 1998 115hp FICHT Ocean Runner with 746 hours. The boat seems to be a good value, but I seem to get the impression that these are not the best motors. I was hoping to get some professional opinions on the motor and things to look for before making my decision as well as preventative maintenance tips for this particular motor. Also the boat has been run in saltwater occasionally, but the owner has indicated that he properly flushed the system each time. Paint around the gunnels shows signs of saltwater damage. Thanks in advance.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Looking for a review of 1998 Johnson 115 FICHT Ocean Runner

Ficht's have a terrible repuation in the marketplace, although many were OK. The bad ones were horrible. If it were me, I'd look for another boat.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Looking for a review of 1998 Johnson 115 FICHT Ocean Runner

The engine has 746 hours on it and you're worried that it might not be a good motor?

How many years and hours of use does it take for a motor to prove itself?

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: Looking for a review of 1998 Johnson 115 FICHT Ocean Runner

They were maintainence hogs, had to replace the plugs every 100 hours (plus index them properly or have shop do it) some had EMM problems. If you were asking about same year Optimax I would definately say stay away. As long as you do your maintainence and run your fuel stabilzer it may prove to be a good motor.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Looking for a review of 1998 Johnson 115 FICHT Ocean Runner

Yes they fouled plugs more often if you spent a lot of time at trolling speed, but if you use the boat normally as a pleasure craft (towing skiers, cruising) they weren't bad. And 100 hours of use is two years for most people. Indexing isn't a big deal, especially since you only need to do it every year or two when you change plugs, so I wouldn't call that intensive maintenance.

If a Ficht made it past the first 100 hours without problems I'd say it would have the same potential of longevity as any other modern engine equiped with electronics.