Evinrude has forever been recognised as the leading designers of V4 outboard engines, a company that was initialy behind the invention of the original V4-designed outboard engine. The OMC Evinrude Ficht Ram Injection for 2001, (2000 model pictured) is one impressive engine that delivers unrivalled performance. In spite of the troubles OMC has faced in recent times, OMC is now owned by Bombardier and production is set to commence this fall. The V4 115 / 90 block was never affected by the problems OMC faced with regard to overheating engines encountered in the 1999 model Evinrude Ficht engines. One way to tell you have the latest 115 or 90 engine is to look for the distinctive new 'Darth Vader' style cowling. This cowling is one of the most advanced in the industry since it enables air to be taken in sufficiently from the rear of the cowling and any water that happens to seap through simply drains out of the engines water system.

The Ficht engine I owned is a 2000 model white Evinrude 115h.p. Long Shaft Ficht Ram Injection Outboard with a SST II Propeller on the back of an Australian built 5.0m Runabout. The Ram Injection engine was one of the first to arrive in Australia and to date has been perfect. The engine effortlessly delivers around 42knots at WOT revving around 5800 RPM with a 17" Stainless Steel Propeller - Standard on all Ficht Engines as previously mentioned. So far the engine has achieved 100 hours and has been serviced correctly to date. The boat rises out of the water in seconds and the engines fastrak system allows for a great trim range. Under the cowling, the Ficht monitor is evident with a big FFI symbol which during service time, is connected to a laptop to enable a comprehensive service and identify all components. Evinrude has also designed a special oil recommended by both Yamaha and Mercury to be used in conjunction with Evinrude outboards that is far and away the most advanced performance ingredient. The sleek engine profile and hydrodynamic casing also enable swift turning while all cabling is neatly embraced in a heavy duty casing.

PERFORMANCE

3000 RPM --- 25 Knots Planning Comfortably
4000 RPM --- 38 Knots Planning Ideally - Very Fast Economical Cruise Setting
WOT ---- 43.5 Knots into a 20 Knot wind. Positive Trim applied - two adults and safety devices on board along with 120 litre tank of fuel.

Generally, I would if I could criticise the Evinrude engine, however from experience it is impossible. I am a critic when it comes to boating, and I see no faults in the Evinrude engine. As you may see even the cons are misleading and are irrelevant and I see this engine as almost perfect.

Out of a hard to get rating of 10

I place the Evinrude Ficht 115 as a total 9.78843 - why the decimals - because it was Mathematically worked out on a strict regime and marking criteria where precise accurate results have been ascertained.

Evinrude Outboards are available online:

http://www.evinrude.com

For the latest details on Bombardier Evinrude visit this site.

It was a pleasure writing this for the boating public of the world.

Yours Sincerely.

Recommended: Yes