www.iFourWinns.com

Overall a very nice boat, no chalking of the gel coat, minimum scratches. Needs a good cleaning, but overall very nice.
The only thing that concerns me is the engine while running at idle was a little rough. Much better than my Johnson, but the owner told me that it was probably old gas from winter combined w fogging oil and old plugs. It was much smoother at about 2000 rpms.
Rotary: is this normal with the evinrude D.I?

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2011 Bennington 2075 GLi
2012 Key West 211 DC
2005 Four winns 180 Horizon LE
1997 Horizon QXsold
2000 248 Vistasold
2002 Key West 2020WA sold

It is pretty normal to have a little stutter at idle every once and a while. If it is a constant rough idle, I'd be concerned.

You say it is smoother than your V4 Johnson...so, I'd say it is probably pretty normal.

These motors like fresh spark plugs. After about 100 hours or so they need to be replaced. I replace mine every season in the spring.

ALSO, the plugs need to be indexed when installed. It is really a pretty simple, straightforward procedure. (google "indexing ficht plugs". There is a nice PDF someone put out there that I use)

I'd ask the owner if he has ever replaced the plugs. If he says yes, I'd ask about indexing. If he doesn't know or doesn't seem sure about it, I think you found the issue.

I'd say it is likely the plugs just need to be replaced and/or indexed. Maybe you can get the current owner to spring for new plugs.

For future reference, shop around for plugs. Buying them at a marina will run up around $9-10 each. I have been buying them off e-bay for around $4 or less...stock up when you can.

With fresh, indexed plugs my motor runs sewing machine smooth at all speeds. As I mentioned there is only an occasional stutter every once and a while after long periods of ideling. A quick romp on the throttle clears it up. These motors are still 2 strokes so the plugs can get loaded up and just need a little heat to keep them clean.

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Current Operational Boats:
'04-Four Winns 180 Freedom 150 HP Evinrude
'72-Chris Craft Commander 31 Sedan Twin-350Qs

Everything I just stated applies to e-tecs also.

I guess what I'm saying is that modern, clean buring, efficient 2 strokes do take ever so slightly more attention to keep running perfect than the old tech carb'd 2 strokes.

_________________
Current Operational Boats:
'04-Four Winns 180 Freedom 150 HP Evinrude
'72-Chris Craft Commander 31 Sedan Twin-350Qs

The present owner Actually showed me how he drew lines on the plug w a marker to properly index them and specified torque settings.
At idle "first start of the season" it seemed to fluctuate rpms, constantly, but at the same time
Was nothing like the old carb Johnson which I can only describe as "stutters".
I'm checking with a mechanic bud of mine who works on these things for a living. In my opinion from my input from folks like yourself it sounds like it just needs new plugs.
Still deciding....

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2011 Bennington 2075 GLi
2012 Key West 211 DC
2005 Four winns 180 Horizon LE
1997 Horizon QXsold
2000 248 Vistasold
2002 Key West 2020WA sold

I decided to buy it and am going to pick it up this Saturday. Thanks for all of your input. If I can remember how I will try to post some pics.

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2011 Bennington 2075 GLi
2012 Key West 211 DC
2005 Four winns 180 Horizon LE
1997 Horizon QXsold
2000 248 Vistasold
2002 Key West 2020WA sold

Congrats.

It looks like a great boat.

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Current Operational Boats:
'04-Four Winns 180 Freedom 150 HP Evinrude
'72-Chris Craft Commander 31 Sedan Twin-350Qs

Rotary,
Just wondering I have evinrude/Johnson XD50 but the manual recommends XD25 can I use the rest of this oil or not, also I have been mixing carbon guard w gas in my old boat, do you mix anything w your gas to prevent carbon buildup or is or unnecessary w fuel injection.
I plan on putting 89 octane in her is that enough as the manual says min of 87. Thanks
Nick

_________________
2011 Bennington 2075 GLi
2012 Key West 211 DC
2005 Four winns 180 Horizon LE
1997 Horizon QXsold
2000 248 Vistasold
2002 Key West 2020WA sold

Use XD50 oil.

That is what is currently recommended.

I don't add anything to my gas...other than stabilizer when I know it is going to be sitting for a while. I use 87 octane and most of the time I buy it while on the road...so it typically has ethanol.

_________________
Current Operational Boats:
'04-Four Winns 180 Freedom 150 HP Evinrude
'72-Chris Craft Commander 31 Sedan Twin-350Qs

Rotary,
Thanks for your input it's been very helpful. I absolutely love this boat it's awesome, light years ahead of my old horizon, which I loved as well.
The direct injection is so much better than the carbureted Johnson. Smooth is the word.
Although the boat is only 6 inches wider and 1.5 feet longer it's much more stable, and I'm so happy w the outboard for many different reasons.
most important the wife loves it as well. Thanks again
Nick

_________________
2011 Bennington 2075 GLi
2012 Key West 211 DC
2005 Four winns 180 Horizon LE
1997 Horizon QXsold
2000 248 Vistasold
2002 Key West 2020WA sold

The new to me 2005 Horizon 180. I finally pulled the trigger on it last saturday.
Here are a few pics.

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_________________
2011 Bennington 2075 GLi
2012 Key West 211 DC
2005 Four winns 180 Horizon LE
1997 Horizon QXsold
2000 248 Vistasold
2002 Key West 2020WA sold