Thanks. Did the search..some interesting reading.
The one that I'm likely getting is a 2005, brand new. I got a referral
from Dave Mull at Great Lakes Angler and talked with a guy in
the Chicago area that is a big Evinrude "expert". Said by '05 the
issues that you mentioned were cleared up. But he also gave some
tips, such as making the dealer run the software upgrades while I watch
and to request a printout of those, so down the road if I have any issues
I will have proof of what updates were in.
THe deal is just to sweet to pass, so even though I would have
preferred a 4 stroke, I'm still getting this 2005 as a 'new' engine with
7 years of warranty.
Oh....and I love the boat.....
John