Have outboard repaired or have money returned?

[Kylersk]

As some of you know, I bought my first boat this season, a 2000 crestliner 1750 sport fish with 115 Evinrude Ficht. I bought it from Cabelas and they have been great.

Well, this past week, I finally got it on the water and ran it for a little bit. After running the engine at 5500 rpms for a few minutes, and then returning to idle, the motor died. It took forever to start. After restarting, I landed my boat and called the service department. They recommended adding fresh gas and stabilizer. So, I added 10 gallons of gas and stabilizer for that amount and tried it again. The boat did the same thing, died once I got back down to idle. But this time, after I finally got it started again, the motor sounded louder and then Pop! Smoke came pouring out and I killed it as quick as I could. Well, it looks like something blew a hole right throught the front of the motor. There was an aluminum clamp and shaving laying in front of it, unde the hood. I think the clamp was the rod clamp?? I dont know.. but it's not good.

Anyways, cabelas has not totally assesed the situation yet, but the manager mentioned he'd take care of me and either give me my money back or repair the motor. I really have to wait to hear what their final answer is, but I dont know.. ..

Should I have the motor repaired? Or should I just run from this deal? I really like the boat and the price, but this motor has me worried (evinrude ficht).

[ChuckN]

The FICHT 115's did not have the known issues, but if the crank went from your description, I would be quite hesitant.

A new motor on a 7 year old boat...it's usually tough to get your money out of the deal unless you are going to keep this package for a long time.

I'd personally find another boat.

[eyepatrol]

If it were me, my hands would be up in the air too. On one hand you have what Chuck said and I'd agree with that. On the other hand, the $14K is right at the price mark where you might be able to find another used rig in good condition, but you might not also. A brand new rig is going to cost you much more if you're wanting a 17' boat all set up with electronics and stuff.

I guess what I'd do is this: If I can afford a newer or brand new boat, I'd save the $4k and put it to that and also get my money back. If $14K is my max budget, I'd stick with the rig and have them put the new motor on. The new motor does bring some value and reliability to the rig. It sounds like you really like the boat, and there is added personal value in that alone.

Ultimately, this boils down to what you feel most comfortable doing.

[marine_man]

Quote:

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2. They will have another shop repair the Evinrude ficht.

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Are they offering any warranty with the rebuilt motor?

Also, is this a total rebuilt motor (completed by a rebuild shop), or is this a local dealer rebuild?

marine_man

[PierBridge]

I thinks it's no brainer......PUNT!

There are some good deals out there right now even considering the time of year.

There is a ton of used boat inventory out there both private party and Dealers who will really come down in price to move a boat motor package.

Take your time even if it means waiting until later in the year or even fall this is a big investment that you need to be sure on.

My 2 Cents.

Good Luck!

[Kylersk]

Quote:

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Quote:

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2. They will have another shop repair the Evinrude ficht.

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Are they offering any warranty with the rebuilt motor?

Also, is this a total rebuilt motor (completed by a rebuild shop), or is this a local dealer rebuild?

marine_man

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They are offering a 1 year warranty and it's being done by a marine repair shop? I think?

[Valv]

It's a tough call, but I might opt for complete refund.

It's extremely rare a motor blows like that, but have it rebuilt will always make you worry. I would suspect whoever traded boat in knew about this, and took advantage of Cabelas (and of course you).

Anyway I would try my luck with another boat, used or new.

What did you do with the windshield ?

[Kylersk]

I picked up a piece of glass from a glass shop.

[FZ]

Yea, do whatever you feel most comfortable doing.

I personally like Cabelas a lot. Three weeks ago a friend of mine bought a Crestliner from them. They were very fair in dealing price. When we called to pick up the boat on the delivery day, the service people told us that during the preparation they found the lower unit seal was broken and we could either get out of deal or they would do the repair. We chose the repair (cost $450 as they claimed) and in the end, they also throw us a new boat travel cover ($250).

[boatfixer]

Well there you go Kylersk, more than enough opinions, all anyone can say at this point is go with your gut, Buddy. Do what feels COMFORTABLE FOR YOU. Be sure to let us know how it turns out. Sounds like they are handling this quite professionally. Good luck!

[Kylersk]

So, I priced out a new boat from cabelas as well. After discussing that with my wife, I got the absolute NO on that deal.

So, I'm leaning towards getting the optimax installed on this boat. It's already has a few brand new items on it: 70# trolling motor, 2 deepcycle batteries, 2 bank 8 amp charger and a cabelas cover. So, add that all up, with new 115 optimax, I think it's still a decent package for under 15k with a 5 year motor warranty.

I'm really leary now on buying any used motor......

[PerchJerker]

I'll go another way on this.

- If you like the boat and think you'll want to keep it for a long time

- If the boat's in really good shape

- If the trailer is good

- And if you can afford the extra $4,000

Then going with the new Opti and controls is a pretty enticing option in my opinion.

I assume you like the boat since you just picked it out. Motors are by far the most expensive part of any package, and are the part that's going to cost you the most money to maintain. What's ever going to happen to an older trailer - new tires, new bearings, new brakes, new lights --- pennies compared to the cost of a good motor and motor maintenance. What's ever going to happen to an older boat - pumps might fail, rivets might leak --- pennies compared to the cost of a good motor and motor maintenance. By going with a new motor you get warranty coverage and should have minimal repair and maintence costs on it for many years.

Going the route of a full refund and starting over isn't a bad choice, but upgrading to a new Opti seems pretty enticing to me if you like the boat and can afford the upgrade.

Good luck.

[croixeyes]

As Perchjerker stated above.The motor is the most expensive and critical component in the package.Pumps,batteries,trollingmotors,and such are just regular maintenance items that you will deal with as you go.Id pull the trigger with a new motor put on that,good luck with your decision.

[iffwalleyes]

Tough call for you here. A opti is a great motor and will give you years of great service plus you will have a warranty with a new motor that is nice. Of course the other thing is if you look for another used boat you will have to worry about any issues you might have with it. But for a new motor you will have yourself into it for $18000 correct? Tough call last year I found a new non current prov similar size to what you got with a 140 hp for $19,000. Truly a hard decision to be made by you. Personally I won't go for a rebuild so that would leave me with either putting another 4k into it for a new motor and having it be a 18K rig. Or else look for another rig. Good luck with that decision it is tough for sure.

[eyepatrol]

I think IFF he actually mentioned that he would have a total of $14K into it (which includes the new motor).

I guess that's why if it were me, I'd probably keep the boat and put the new motor on there if getting a new or slightly used one was out of my finance range. I did a brief search on various boats and $14K for a 2000 boat with a brand spankin' new motor is pretty much better than any other rig I saw out there.

Perchjerker put it well. Having that new motor with 5 years of warranty for only $4K is well worth the money and, perhaps more importantly, peace of mind.

[Kylersk]

Yes, I'll have 14K into the boat If i put the new motor on. Currently I have 10k into it.

[iffwalleyes]

Oh I am sorry. I mis read that. Well that is big difference then. I would probably put the opti on and enjoy the rig. 10K for that boat I know why you got it too bad about the motor.

[vermilionfox]

If the rest of the boat, and the trailer are in good shape I think I'd go for the new Opti. Sounds like Cabelas is really trying to make you a happy customer!

[dirtking]

If you put the new motor on - would the boat be worth what you have into it, even with a good deal on a new motor?

I'd start over, chances of this happening to you again are small.

[marine_man]

Well, here's my take on it.

First, if you can afford the 4k for the optimax done deal.. that's what I'd do.

If you can't, and you really like the boat, and the motor was going to be a powerhead swap (the dealer orders a rebuilt powerhead from a place that does this all the time) and not a parts replacement (the dealer orders a block and puts the old parts in the new block) I'd probably stick with the FICHT. Even though it's a FICHT, the 4 cylinders weren't all that bad and if you've got the equivalent of a brand new motor you're not that bad off.

Just my opinion...

marine_man

[LundExplorer]

Kylersk, first of all I am sorry to hear about your bad experience. What a bummer! As you know, my Dad has the same motor that has had issues, I hope not this one as well.

I saw your pics of the rig, that is a really nice boat. With a brand new motor I think that you would be hard pressed to find a better deal for $14K.

My opinion would be to get the Merc.

[snowman678]

I'll agree with the others that are saying get the Opti and keep your boat. I don't think that $14K into a boat outfitted like you say and w/ a brand new motor w/ 5 year warranty is too bad of a deal. Last year about this time I picked up a 17.5 alumacraft w/ a 100HP Yamaha 4 stroke for a little over 10K, but I don't think it was set-up quite as nice as yours and definitely didn't have a brand new motor, so I think 14 is pretty fair.

[Kylersk]

Well, I made the call and told them to order the merc optimax. Should be here in the next week or two. I also splurged and asked them to install an LMS-334c. A few hours later, the boat manager called me and said that there were alot of problems with the LMS-334's and he didnt want me having any more problems. So, he upgraded me to an LMS-522c for the same price. Now that's sweet!

I cant wait to get my boat back!!

[boatfixer]

Good call!!!!!!!! I'm sure you will be happy!

[iffwalleyes]

Sounds like they are treating you right. That is great. Your are going to love that locator too. I have a 332 and the displace on it is awesome.

[DTro]

Quote:

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Well, I made the call and told them to order the merc optimax. Should be here in the next week or two. I also splurged and asked them to install an LMS-334c. A few hours later, the boat manager called me and said that there were alot of problems with the LMS-334's and he didnt want me having any more problems. So, he upgraded me to an LMS-522c for the same price. Now that's sweet!

I cant wait to get my boat back!!

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It's nice to read how a potential disaster turned into a pretty good deal for yourself. I'm sure you'll love the new motor.

Kudos to Cabelas