1986 125 Force Slug or not

[Brian Britt]

I am looking at buying a 1986 17.5 Bayliner (Capri) it has a 1986 125 h.p. Force on it. I was told this particular boat had a tough time pulling a 165 pnd. man out of the water on a slalom ski. I realize the prop size could be the problem, but with the prop size correct and the boat not overloaded it should be able to handle a 165 pnd. man.??? What would you reccomend for a prop size. The engine is suppose have less than 300 hours on it.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1986 125 Force Slug or not

Tiber, Im not an expert on that boat and motor<br /> but:: the Force motors have a reputation for<br />poor performance and reliability.They are said to not perform as well as other major brands of the same horsepower. The facts are Force is<br /> an orphan with a dwindling parts supply and no factory backing.Im not saying parts are not available just dwindling.<br />Bayliner boats have a reputation for developing rot and soft spots.Especially in the floor and transom.I would be very careful before buying.<br /> To answer your question yes if the motor runs good and you have the right prop and a light load <br /> you should be able to pull a 165 lb. skier.<br /> weight distribution motor trim and technique<br />are important.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: 1986 125 Force Slug or not

I would personally keep looking. From what I have been told force motors were still measuring hp at the head instead of the prop. So that motor could easily be more like a 90hp. A friend of mine has the same motor, and has never had any problems with it, but my boat with more weight and less hp (merc 115) was 5mph faster and both motors were turning 5800rpm. It would be so much easier to find parts for merc, and omc’s that I can’t see why anyone would want to purchase a force (not even considering all the probs they tend to have). As far as the boat goes…I would pass on that too. Bayliner had some real bad years and I think that boat is in the middle of them. Even if that boat sat in a showroom untouched from the day it was built till now it would be worth less than most mid range boats of the same year that had constant use. It all depends what you want out of it, and what you are willing to spend. I tend to look at it as an investment ie…if that motor were to go and you wanted to replace it, could you sell it 3yrs later and break even. With that boat even if you bought a used motor for 2-3000 the chances of ever selling it for 3000 are slim to none!!! They just came out with the new version w/ a 130hp i/o with trailer for $10,000 and it is a real nice boat. Give us some more info such as intended use, and what kind of money you are willing to spend, and with all the knowledge from this board Im sure we could help you find something better. <br /> <br /> Sorry to ramble on but my eyes are closing!!!

 

[speed29668]

Re: 1986 125 Force Slug or not

If it is the right price then I would consider it contingent upon inspection. The Force you are refering to truly is 125 HP as horspower was measured at the prop for that year. I have seen just as many complaints on Mercurys and OMC motors as I have with Force so that engine is not neccesarily unreliable. Maintenance is the key factor in reliability. There will be plenty of parts available for Force as there are a whole lot of them in use and there is always a market for companies to sell to when there is a large abundance of a particular motor. Most people who make these claims get this information from a "My brother's friend's cousin's boss's father's aquaintance said that" kind of thing. Most people who have actually owned Force motors state that they are good motors, especially for the price, that require a regularly scheduled maintenance plan. I don't own a Force for the record. I would take a really good look at the hull of the boat as hulls really go bad with age. Check the floor for soft spots and the transom for to much flex. If that checks out and the price is right I would consider it. Not many people buy used boats as an investment. They depreciate very easily and being in a marine environment there is a lot that can go wrong, especially with a used boat.

 

[93bronco]

Re: 1986 125 Force Slug or not

i agree, obs are only as good as the person who maintains it. every company has its lemons. mercury stamped their name on it after some impovements but it remained the same block. they got a bad name because they were put on entry level boats <bayliner> for entry level boaters who didnt take care of the boat let alone the motor.<br />i wished i would have been quicker to buy that 98 120 force than i wouldnt be stuck with p-o-s 120johnson that was put together with left over motor parts by a sorry omc mechanic.

 

[HarleyC]

Re: 1986 125 Force Slug or not

Tibor, I am not going to endorce or critize any boat or motor. It all depends on care, maintenance and paying attention. My '86 Force 125 is mounted on a 18.5 starcraft and will run out at 44 mph measured with GPS. Its got a good hole shot as well. Now, I don't ski but the guy I bought from did, a lot. They all weighed more than 165 lbs so I think if you buy an engine that has had good care and is in good condition you would be ok. Also be aware that the '86 Force engine runs on oil gas mix and its a "mix your own thing" not having automatic oil injection. Good luck, Fish