Replace Force motor with Merc?

[ANDRE3000]

I have a 17' 1991 Bayliner with a 3cyl 90HP Force L-Drive motor. I need to replace my motor, and I'd like to know if a 1985 Mercruiser (GM 4cyl) 120 Hp motor would be compatible. I think the Merc would be Alpha1, I'm not sure if mine is Alpha2. I'm also not sure what Hp my boat is rated up to. Rebilding my current motor is not an option. Thank You.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Replace Force motor with Merc?

Hey ya! I think you have a problem then. From what I understand the l-drive is a pretty proprietary beast. Your outdrive is not an Alpha 2 but and L-drive. I don't beleive the conversion can necessarily be done cost effectively. You would have to obtain the complete engine and outdrive including tnt pump, wiring harness, controls etc.. Then you would have the mounting issue both for the engine and transom. EEk.<br /><br />Your best bet IMHO is to replace the powerhead or replace the boat.

 

[jokey1]

Re: Replace Force motor with Merc?

it is not the same as a alpha. It is like a outboard motor that is split in the middle and has a dirve shaft so the lower unit can go up and down with out moving the engine. You need to find a force outboard and take the engine off and bolt it in. Or rebuild what you got now.

 

[CoachHolland]

Re: Replace Force motor with Merc?

My '88 17' Bayliner Capri is rated for 85 HP. A search on some posts here tells me that putting a larger HP engine on your boat will null any insurance you have and most mechanics will not install one at best. At worse, it is simply a dangerous change to make.