I purchased a 16 foot Bayliner capri boat with a Force 85 outboard motor in Washington State (Sea Level) and it ran great. I was using a 17 pitch prop and was getting speeds of 28 to 30 mph and pulling skiers was no problem. I moved to Utah (5000 ft above sea level) and have had great difficulties just getting the boat to plane let alone try to pull skiers with it. I have had it in several shops having the carbs re-jetted and changing the prop from a 17 pitch to 15 then to a 13 pitch and still the motor is very sluggish. I was told that the 85 Force has a much lower displacement vrs a 85 Mercury (or other 85 HP outboards). With this understanding I purchased a 1973 4 cyl 85 HP Mercury and before I change out my 1985 85 Force I wanted to get some more input if it will be worth my time and money and will I get the results I am looking for. I was also told that I loose up to 30% power going from sea level to 5000 ft. Anyone know if this is true? Any guidance would be appriciated.
