83' Chrysler 85hp versus 87' Force 85hp

[Shorebreak91]

Hey all!
I've made a few posts (so far) about my frustrations with my current 1983 Chrysler 85hp. I recently saw an ad for an 1987 Force 85hp that is being sold for pretty cheap, so I am wondering what everyone's opinion is between the two? I realize that the 87 is obviously newer, but I also know some people are big fans of the older engines. I assume they would be pretty much the same in terms of power and efficiency?

 

[jombee]

I had a 1979 Chrysler 85HP and replaced it with an 1986 Force 85HP when a cylinder/piston was damaged on the Chrysler. My experience so far is the Force starts and idles smoother but the Chrysler was about 2 MPH faster on the water. Fuel usage wise they seem about the same. Hope this helps!

 

[Tassie 1]

Forget the Chrysler if you have another option.
unless you really, really prefer working on/ locating obsolete parts to actually having fun on your boat.

 

[Nordin]

The 83 85Hp Chrysler and the 87 85Hp Force is in basic the same engine.
Same stroke and same bore, maybe the Chrysler has the older Motorola distributer ignition system.
The Force has the Prestolite magneto CDI ignition system.
The Chrysler may have it too, they started to change from Motorola to Prestolite in early 80:es.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Pretty much the same performance.
With some modification, the ignition parts can be adapted to the older Chrysler
and vice/versa..

Don't listen to the sore looser's.
If that was the case, this forum would be called, "What to buy when you can't fix it anymore" .
Most cases parts are available unless you live in B F Egypt! or Au.

 

[Tassie 1]

Jerry
if you are referring to me...and it certainly appears you are lol
" We " ( my sons and l ) have had 10 Chryslers over 10-12 yrs from 10 hp to 120 hp,.
Of every ignition type except the last

I still have one dead ' un laying in the driveway
We have also owned another 25 odd outboards and inboards as well currently from the 1950's to brand new models ( 2013 at the time )

Petrol, diesel...inboards, outboards, singles and multi engine boats
Never had a Honda...almost every other outboard brand
Tinnies, ski boats, runabouts, half cabins, cabin cruisers to Flybridge cruisers...12 ft to 30 ft
l have around 30 different repair manuals atm

We currently have 5 operational boats,

The ONLY time l have ever had to endure the tow of shame ( with a outboard powered boat ) in 25 odd years is that same Chrysler motor...twice... laying in the dirt outside.

We live in a small coastal fishing/ farming town where nearly everyone either has boats or works on them commercially,
There is no marine service establishment here

The 4 lane boat ramp is 60 or 70 yds away from one of our boats in the marina, where l spend a good portion of the day yakking to other old goobers or washing of bird crap,

I have NEVER seen another Chrysler outboard motor here in 7 yrs...and the ramp is a block away.

Chryslers are just barely ok if you only boat in FW rivers or lakes, where you can swim or walk to the bank etc when they inevitably let you down but they are no longer reliable, safe or suitable in a offshore or coastal enviroment.

Of course, that is just my personal opinion based on my experience,

I accept that your " mileage may be different " so l won't tell anyone to ignore your contribution.

Cheers.