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).

[eyepatrol]

Yeah, I know I've said it a couple times already, but when both parties can work out a win-win, everyone's happy. Good for you and it sounds like Cabelas went the extra mile to try and make you as happy as possible. Sounds like they were shooting straight with you, which is good.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your rig for years to come.

[PerchJerker]

I've heard the saying before that "a boat is a hole in the water into which you pour money".

I ran across a new saying this morning. BOAT = Break Out Another Thousand

[marine_man]

Sounds like you made a good call!

marine_man

[311Hemi]

Sounds like a decent deal and I would have gone for the Opti upgrade at that price. Piece if mind with an engine is huge in my book....can't go fishing if it's not running....at least in summer!!!

Not to highjack the thread....but

Bass catcher....I remember reading some posts of yours about you looking to buy a FS boat soon....or did you do that already? Just curious if you did what you ended up with?

[eyepatrol]

Yep, we got a boat alright. But, after months upon months of researching and comparing fish/ski boats, we ended up getting a slightly used Alumacraft Tournament Sport 175 last fall. Basically it came down to a few things: 1) How often would the jump seats and bow cushions get used? 2) How often would we use a bimini top? 3) Layout and size of livewells. and 4) Price. Our answers to the first two were....not very often. For No. 3, the Alumacraft has large livewells both front and back which was a plus in my book. And for No. 4, major household repairs used up most of our money set aside for a new boat, so we found a good price on this slightly used boat.

[311Hemi]

Cool.....thanks for the update. And nice rig.

1 & 2 are what I am struggling with right now (and then 4!!). For 1) My parents live on a lake and I could see me bringing it up there quite a bit for play since their ski boat is well....not always running!!

For 2), it always seems that the bimini top would be nice if it started raining.....or to keep sun off on those hot days.

Heck....I have a 4x4 truck and would not have anything else, but I only use it a hand full of times each year. It's those few times that make it worthwhile....good thing I have a while to think about it!!

[LwnmwnMan2]

Quote:

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Yep, we got a boat alright. But, after months upon months of researching and comparing fish/ski boats, we ended up getting a slightly used Alumacraft Tournament Sport 175 last fall.

Basically it came down to a few things: 1) How often would the jump seats and bow cushions get used? 2) How often would we use a bimini top? 3) Layout and size of livewells. and 4) Price. Our answers to the first two were....not very often. For No. 3, the Alumacraft has large livewells both front and back which was a plus in my book. And for No. 4, major household repairs used up most of our money set aside for a new boat, so we found a good price on this slightly used boat.

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I'm with you BassCatcher.... 1 and 2 not really, #3, wanted a bow AND aft livewell, and #4, went with new, non-current that we found late last fall, a 2005 that was still on the showroom floor, for $17k. Yes, it's a Tracker, but it's EXACTLY what I wanted, an 18' Targa, 115 hp Optimax, wide, deep boat that I, my wife, my 2 boys and my dad can all fish out of and not be bumping elbows.

The electronics I already had on a previous boat, so I swapped them between the boats, and now I just need to quit working 90 hours / week in the summer.....