"JDavis1277" wrote in message
...
Del,

No, I don't have any quantitative data. Would have used it otherwise.

My "some" could well be Karen's many.... or huge numbers???? But it
seems
clear from Bill Grannis' comments that there were some problems in the
early
models.

Here on the group we don't hear from many unhappy owners (Habbi??) but
many who
comment seem pretty happy with the engines. The mechanics and service
managers
I've talked to speak of a few early engines with problems. I've no
idea what
exactly that means. Admitedly I've only spoken with about a half
dozen
technical types so it's hardly a sampling.

If it was still 1999 and I was seeking a light weight 115 HP outboard
for my
Whaler I'd again choose a FICHT. Today, given the alternatives, the
choice
would be less clear. The new FICHTs would be hard to resist given my
experience with an older one. The new Merc 3 cylinder Opti would also
get a
close look. Since I've now been using this boat and motor for almost
six years
hole shot is not as important to me as it once was. Therefore the
four strokes
would get a very close look.

Choice, aint it wonderful???

Butch


snip

It it were 99, I would most likely choose a carb'd 115 just like I did
in 98. I am sort of suspicious of new fangled breakthroughs, especially
in internal combustion engines. And the price difference will buy a lot
of gas, at least it's a lot here in Minnesota where the lake surface is
pretty hard 6 months a year.

If it were 2004 I would almost certainly go 4stroke. That 115
yamaha/Mercury is pretty nice, although having the Suzuki dealer a mile
away from my dock is another factor.

del cecchi