force 85

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exocet1

Cadet
Joined
May 16, 2004
Messages
8
Im thinking of buying a used boat, a Fletcher GTO speedboat with an 85Hp Force outboard. Am I mad considering a Force (It didnt do Luke Skywalker any harm) The other I have seen has a yamaha 115 V4, though with gas prices at over $5.00USD a US gallon, can I run it? Any help or suggestions.
 
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Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,521
Re: force 85

exocet, I will guess the GTO speedboat is in the 16-18 foot range. If so the 85HP Force will push it 30-35 MPH, burning about 8 GPH. The 115 Yammie will push it 40-45 MPH, burning about 12 GPH. The question is how fast do you want to go, remembering that speed = gasoline. The reliability of these engines is mostly based upon condition. ALternatively, I suppose if the Force Motor is sufficiently old such that parts/service are hard to get, the Yammie might make better sense.
 
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exocet1

Cadet
Joined
May 16, 2004
Messages
8
Re: force 85

Thanks Chris, the force engine is 1990 and has had the mountings replaced, I spoke to the local Force engineer who has recorded a Service history on the engine. The Yammie has been completely rebuilt by an English company last year. The force is on a 14 Ft GTO and the Yammie on a 16.5FT GTO, both should go well. I feel swayed by the economy of the force and by the fact there is no oil injection on it so the engine will always get oil. hopefully I buy the right one (neither boat is serious money anyway.
 
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quantumleap

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 16, 2004
Messages
813
Re: force 85

From the track record of both motors I would definately lean toward the yammie. Plus the 85 is going to provide marginal performance for that style of boat.
 
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Mercury140-I6

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 6, 2003
Messages
339
Re: force 85

I agree with what Quantumleap said and add this. Just because you haave a bigger motor doesn't mean that you have to run it all out all the time. At cruising speed, you will actually get a little better milage from the 115hp than you can from the 85. Also, the 115 doesn't have to work as hard as an 85 would and will therefore probably last a lot longer. I'd go with the Yamaha (And I'm a Mercury Man).<br /><br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/showphoto.php?photo=13003&sort=7&thecat=500&password= <br /><br />Craig
 
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