Johnson and Evinrude are back!

Just in time for the 2002 Australian boat show circuit, the new Evinrudes all feature a modified Ficht Ram direct-injection system while the Johnson brand will cover the company's four-stroke and carburetted two-stroke range.

Bombardier claims its 2002 outboards are more powerful and more fuel efficient than ever before.

The outboards, Bombardier says, offer up to 35% better fuel economy and a 50% reduction in oil consumption.

With up to 80% fewer emissions than carburetted two-strokes the Ficht technology is a viable competitor for other four-stroke manufacturers, Bombardier says.

Trailer Boat trialled the 2002 models of the 115hp, 150hp and 225hp Ficht Evinrudes at a recent media launch and, from our short experience, found the outboards to be powerful, extremely responsive and a lot quieter that their predecessors.

Bombardier says its "flagship models' emissions are lower than Mercury OptiMax outboards and Yamaha four-strokes".

COMPETATIVE SPIRIT
According to Bombardier the 200hp Evinrude Ficht outperforms Yamaha's 225hp four-stroke, delivering more power at all performance ranges.

Recent performance test data released by Bombardier, using a Javelin 21 testboat, shows the Yamaha 225hp four-stroke at 3500rpm reached 44.9kmh spinning a 21in prop while the Evinrude 225hp Ficht at 3000rpm reached 46.0kmh. No prop size was noted on the Evinrude, however.

The 225hp Ficht Evinrude in Bombardier's tests had a top speed of 96.2kmh versus the Yamaha's 91.1kmh. Against the Honda 225hp four-stroke, Evinrude tested a top speed of 96.2kmh versus the Honda's 84.3kmh. The Honda was also spinning a 23in propeller.

Bombardier's data indicated the Evinrude could accelerate from 0-48.2kmh (30mph) in 5.77 seconds versus the Honda's 10.7 seconds.

In tests between a 2002 Evinrude 90hp Ficht and a 2002 Honda 90hp four-stroke, both fitted with 17in props, the Evinrude maintained 34.0kmh at 3000rpm while the Honda reached 32.7kmh at 3500rpm.

Acceleration on the Ficht was 0-48.2kmh in 7.43 seconds, while Bombardier tests show it took the Honda 11.31 seconds to reach 48.2kmh.

Fuel consumption on all of Bombardier's tests showed the Evinrudes to be very close to or, in most cases, slightly better than their four-stroke competition. Not bad considering the weight savings and better acceleration that a two-stroke has to offer.

What now needs to be seen is whether Bombardier will be able to regain momentum in Australia as they re-enter the market against powerful and popular competitors.

PRICE IS RIGHT
Bombardier Recreational Products Australia's General Manager, Grainger McFarlane, says "the manufacturer won't be starting a price war because it believed in providing quality products and was committed to re-establishing the company in the marketplace."

However, he said the new Evinrudes would still be cheaper than some of their closest competitors.

He quoted the new price for the Evinrude 225hp Ficht (extra long shaft) as $23,500 recommended retail.

A Honda dealer we contacted said the retail for a 225hp four-stroke is $27,400 while one Yamaha dealer we rang is offering the 225hp four-stroke (long shaft) from a starting price of $22,600.

Bombardier says it has built a new class of powerful motors that must pass the most rigorous quality standards in the industry.

The manufacturer claims it's meeting marine market demands for more environmentally responsible outboards.

It says proof of this is the simultaneous release of a range of Johnson four-strokes from 6-70hp. The Johnson outboard line-up ready to hit dealer showrooms this year also includes the carburetted two-stoke range from 3.5-175hp.

Bombardier Boats and Outboard Engines' division Vice President, Roch Lambert, says "the phased product roll-out would be in time for the boat show season. Some of the new four-strokes will be produced by Suzuki under a secured supply agreement.

"The new Johnson four-stroke engines perfectly complement our Evinrude two-stroke Ficht line-up providing us with a wide range of environmentally-friendly outboard engines," Mr Lambert said.

The new Johnson four-strokes, Bombardier says, are quieter, smoother and faster.

For more details, visit www.evinrude.com or www.recreation.bombardier.com.