1989 90 hp Force L Drive

[OklaBoater]

I am looking at a 1989 18 ft Bayliner with a 90 L drive. It looks like an I/O to me, but indicates that gas and oil need to be mixed like outboards. Can anyone tell me anything about an L drive? I have never heard of this type of motor before. Is this an adequate motor for an 18 ft boat? I am not looking for a particularly speedy boat. This is a very nice looking boat which would be more suited to my families' size and could be had for around $3,000. I have had a 1972 16ft Chrysler with a 70 hp outboard. It needs a lot of work and I don't want to put the money into a 30 year old boat plus I am looking to upgrade a bit. I appreciate any responses. This is a GREAT site. I wish I would have found it long ago. Thanks!

 

[The_FoX]

Re: 1989 90 hp Force L Drive

Dont walk away...RUN!<br /><br />Hmm, late 80's Bayliner - not a good thing<br />Force L-Drive - just asking for a disaster<br /><br />Force L-drives were full of problems, are costly to repair, and parts are very hard to find. Also 90hp for an 18 footer, that sounds grossly underpowered.

 

[SkippersMinnow]

Re: 1989 90 hp Force L Drive

Oklaboater, When I was looking for my first boat, I came across the exact year and setup as your looking at. It was in PERFECT shape, with all the vinyl and exterior looking like new. I told him to hold the boat, because I was going to the bank and get the three grand he was asking. But before I did that, I called a local boat dealer, and asked for the service dept. He told me TO RUN AWAY unless he was giving it away.....and he meant GIVE. He refered to it as the "**** DRIVE" He said parts were drying up, and they were costly to get repaired because no wants to touch them. He also filled me in on the whole Bayliner "rotten floor" problem in those years. I ended up buying a new boat at the end of the season last year, only because I didn't want to buy someone elses problems. Good Luck with your search.

 

[jasonnb]

Re: 1989 90 hp Force L Drive

Okla, to answer your other question about gas/oil. I've never seen one, but it is my understanding that the L drive used a regular stroke outboard powerhead. As for power, I would think 90hp is nowhere near enough for 18'. My 15 1/2' has 85hp and is slightly underpowered.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 1989 90 hp Force L Drive

that setup is a piece of crap. the force outboard is the biggest piece of junk aver marketed to power a boat. do yourself a favor & find something that will at least run.