2004 Evinrude 200hp DI engine - The Hull Truth

ELMO · 10-24-2009, 10:24 AM

Will go see a boat with this engine today and want honest opinion from a mechanic about it. It kills me that on the other forums I do a seach on this year and model and one post goes from great engine and the next is BRP sucks and the 04 DI are junk. What am I to believe. I will have the engine gone over and I guess that is my best bet if I am interested.

From what I know about this engine is it has only about 100 hours on it and it has not been run regularly and has sat for up to two years in the cold weather. Owner swears that for a carbed engine, sitting would be an issue but not for DI. I don't know enough to know if this is true or not so that is why I ask. Any insight is appreaciated. Thanks

dlevitt · 10-24-2009, 11:46 AM

While I don't have this engine (I have twin 2007 E-TECS), I did have a conversation on these DI engines with my mechanic just yesterday. From what he says, prior to the 2000 model year, you should avoid them. After 2000, they "got the bugs out" and they are good engines. The unfortunate thing is that the reputation of the FICHT engine destroyed their "Perceived value" from a consumers standpoint.

If the engine checks out, I would have no problem owning one. However, I would still use the "negative reputation" as a bargening chip if needed as you might have trouble getting top dollar upon resale.

As I said, I do not own this engine and don't like commenting on things that I have no personal experience with. However, I completely trust my mechanic and respect his opinions. Just passing it on.

A1 Outboard · 10-26-2009, 05:14 AM

Running only occasionally is bad for any outboard. Fuel deterioration is the caause. The carb engines are much cheaper to clean than DI engines are. The 200 carb engine is a good reliable engine when properly maintained.

ELMO · 10-28-2009, 09:08 PM

Thanks David and A1. It was unfortunate but I decided against it as the engine would not spit any water when it was run.

I also looked at a 2000 boat and motor (Johnson 200 carbed two stroke) that I believe has upwards of 7-800 hours on it. Is there anyway to get hours on this engine? The boat and engine appear to have been taken very good care of and only the VRO pump has been replaced on the engine other then regular maintenence done. It spits lots of water. I will have it surveyed and engine checked out.

Any insight or thoughts on this engine and what I might look for, for signs of any issues or pending problems? Thanks

A1 Outboard · 10-31-2009, 02:55 AM

Great motor simple and reliable.

dlevitt · 10-31-2009, 10:17 AM

On my last boat, I had a '93 Evinrude OceanPRo 200. I believe that it is basically the same carbed motor that you are looking at. It was very reliable and ran great. The only issues I had were when I bought the boat, it had been sitting for a long time and the carbs needed to be rebuilt. The other issue was that for some reason, it was overoiling and I needed to replace the fuel/oil pump.

Other than than, I just added gas and oil and it never let me down. You should also look at how you will be using the boat. These engines drank a lot of fuel, so if you are going to be putting on lots of miles, that could be an issue. I fished local waters, so it really wasn't that much of a concern - even last year when gas was rediculous.

The other thing to consider with this motor is that it is very simple and easily repaired/maintained. The bottom line is it is thirsty and reliable.

Let us know how you make out.

ELMO · 11-02-2009, 10:51 AM

Thanks again guys, I made the purchase! Had boat surveyed and engine gone over as well. Compression was 110 on all 6 cylinders. The hull is a 2000 HS 23 WAC and according to surveyor, it should have been able to hit 5500 rpms with 2 guys and 1/2 tank of fuel. We hit 5500 rpms with 3 guys and a full tank of fuel. Plugs looked good, fluids etc.... For a 10 year old boat and outboard, there was nothing to indicate a problem anyway. Of course you get no guarantee! Thanks again.

dlevitt · 11-02-2009, 11:49 AM

Congratulations. Just remember, you might have to replace that engine every 15-20 years. Good luck.