1991 Bayliner Capri 18' w/120 Force outboard question.

[Big Bubba]

Hello from Osan Korea,
Yes, I am stationed at Osan AFB Korea and will be comming home soon on 8 March 2008 back to Scott AFB Illinois. Basically I have a question. I am trying to upgrade my 16' Chaparal 162XL with 88 horse power SPL V-4 with a baot that I am looking at now on line but haven't seen in person yet that is a 18' Bayliner Capri with 120 Horsepower Force outboard on her. The boat according to the pictures looks really nice on line so I called thye individual and I get the answer machine and I left a message to call me back with more answers to my question. According to the add the 120 Force outboard has had a head gasket replaced, a temp sensor replaced, the lower leg unit has had all the seals, o-rings, water pump, bearings, and race replaced and the baot is listed for 3,000 or best offer. My question is is these Force engines any good or should I run away from this deal? I am used to running Evinrude outaboard but never any other outboards. Do these Force engines break down alot or are they bullet proof? Let me know becuase I am not to sure about the motor; however, the boat looks really nice inside and outside according the the on-line pictures in the adverstisement. Thanks alot for your help, Bob

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1991 Bayliner Capri 18' w/120 Force outboard question.

Force engines have not been made since 1999.
Mercury does have some parts for them, but has announced that they will no longer support the Force motors.
And most dealers will not service them.

I have owned several with good luck, but I like to tinker with them.

Many thousands of Force motors have been trouble.

I am guessing from the $3,000 price, that it is an early 90's model.
Not the best news.
The earlier 120's had several weak components in the ignition.
And they were prone to overheating, and damage resulting from the overheating.

There are plenty of boats available right now.

Best you wait till you get back stateside, and then start shopping.
Its still snowing here in the upper midwest, and plenty of boats will be on the market in spring.

A personal inspection, and on the water test drive is vital in choosing the right boat for you.

Thank you for your service Bob.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1991 Bayliner Capri 18' w/120 Force outboard question.

Although I am a Force/Chrysler aficionado, I must agree with Roscoe. Force engines can be "iffy"--some will run forever with no problems and some are like a bad marriage--Nothing but heartaches.

Bayliner was/is an entry level boat and there will always be plenty of used ones to choose from.

While it might seem a good idea to snap up this boat, in reality, no one is breaking your arm to get it. You already have a boat so don't be in a hurry. Paraphrasing scripture: Buy in haste--Repent at your leisure. Again, like women, there will always be another coming along. So: wait until you get back into the States then look at boats you can touch and test drive.