35 Mercury or 50 Johnson?

[ali'i]

I am looking at re-powering my new to me , early 1980's 14' fiberglass runabout, the 1981 Johnson 70hp it came with is too much motor for me and too heavy. There are currently 2 used motors I am considering as they are both within my budget. Both are electric start and 20" shaft, and come with controls. I am not "brand specific" so to speak, and not that mechanical, but do know that hp alone is not always the best way to compare motors. One motor is a 1992, 35hp Force (so Mercury?), the other is a 1982 Johnson 50hp, which is $300 more than the Merc, both claim to have low hours, but who knows how low, and good compression and only being sold because they bought new motors , from pictures in the ads, they are both above average on the outside and appear to be well maintained (very clean, little if any scrapes, scratches etc). Based on difference in engine weight (if any), and any other technical stuff, will I see a noticeable difference in top speed with the 1982 50hp, or would I be better to go with the 10yr newer Force and save the $300 for future repairs etc, cause we all know what boat stands for. I don't need to go 40mph, but also don't want to be a snail. Both are an hour away, but in different directions, Thanks

 

[JimS123]

Re: 35 Mercury or 50 Johnson?

A Force is a Force even if it has a Merc lower unit. The '82 Johnny is an outstanding motor. If it were me I'd buy the Johnny in a heartbeat.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: 35 Mercury or 50 Johnson?

+1. I've never owned a Force, but have heard enough about them that I won't. The Johnson will still have great parts availability, and as long as the compression checks out, spark is good, there's no water in the lower unit, etc.. it should be a great engine for you.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 35 Mercury or 50 Johnson?

Many years ago I asked a Force mechanic what he thought of their engines. He said that except for the power head they were great engines. Having said the nasty stuff about them I had one and did not have a lick of trouble with it.

Oh and do not trust the sellers claims. Check yourself especially compression. Remember the seller's goal is to get your money from your pocket to his.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 35 Mercury or 50 Johnson?

1991 was the last year for the Force 35.
It is all Chrysler/US Marine.
NO Merc parts on it. Mercury chose to drop the engine rather than upgrade it.

Although mine ran well, it was a long time ago, and I would never buy one again for many reasons..

Go with the Johnson.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 35 Mercury or 50 Johnson?

Go for the Johnson you will need the hp and routine parts are available almost any where.
Look up Force 35 parts on iboats and the internet and Johnson/Evinrude parts here and on the net.
Check out propellors for each motor for instance.
There is a reason the 10 year older motor is $300 more.
The Force is definitely old school technology while the Johnson is newer technology even though 10 years older.
What ever motor you choose do your home work.Compression check Gearcase lube check.
Run it on muffs Doesn't mean much but it proves it does run and you may be able to tell if the innards are any good.