Force motor problems and I need advice!

[foragedata]

I am considering buying a Vip Vision 17.5' boat with a 1989 Force 125 HP engine. Today the owner took us for a test ride and although it will pull a skier up on 2 skis it will not pull up a slalom skier. There were 4 people in the boat, the boat is rated for 6 people. When we start from a dead stop the engine seems to lack power. It seems to take a long time to reach top speed and it doesn't seem to rev to top speed. When the engine is warm it would idle too slowly and when put into gear at idle it would sometimes stall. The owner said that it began to behave this way the previous time out and his opinion was that a tune-up would solve the problem. The prop is in relativly good shape however it does have some minor nicks on the leading edges of the blades. What do you all think? I told the owner I would get back to him this week. Thanks for your help.

 

[alcan]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

Sorry, not to trash Force motors, but since you have to ask this question, I'm going to say yes. Of course I'm out on a limb here assuming. I assume you don't reg work on outboards and have a basic knowlage of them at best. If you are a fair hand with a wrench and know how to scrounge parts then this may work for you just fine. I personly don't think these motors are all that bad. It's just the fact that if you have problems your pretty much on your own and the fact of a low to no resale value. Just my opinion.

 

[Bco128]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

i own a force motor. it has been pretty reliable but as a warning.parts though not impossible are sometimes difficult to find.and normally dont come as cheap as one might think.they are however easy to work on.since they are generally a basic motor with seldome many bells or whistles.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

foragedata, try ebay.com, search under FORCE, they always have a good listing of force engine parts. Sadly, they are orphans and based on the number of force questions on this forum have lots of brothers and sisters. You could use that orphan status to negotiate the price and it might not be too bad. Good luck.

 

[foragedata]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

Thank you for your replies, we are still considering buying a Vip Vision 17.5' boat with a 1989 Force 125 HP engine. Today the owner took us for a test ride and although it will pull a skier up on 2 skis it will not pull up a slalom skier. There were 4 people in the boat, the boat is rated for 6 people. When we start from a dead stop the engine seems to lack power. It seems to take a long time to reach top speed and it doesn't seem to rev to top speed. When the engine is warm it would idle too slowly and when put into gear at idle it would sometimes stall. The owner said that it began to behave this way the previous time out and his opinion was that a tune-up would solve the problem. The prop is in relativly good shape however it does have some minor nicks on the leading edges of the blades. What do you all think? I told the owner I would get back to him this week. Thanks for your help.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

Don't even consider buying it unless you take it to a mechanic and have the compression checked first.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

Big, HUGE, Ditto on roscoes reply.<br /><br />It's always a good practice to take an engine to a qualified mech for a second opinion.

 

[foragedata]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

Thanks for the replies, does anyone know the price range for a mechanic to do an engine /compression check? Also, since this will be the next step, do I ask the owner if I can take it and pay the mechanic's bill? Or is there a better way to handle this? Motor boating is a new experience for us and I appreciate everyones help.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

You should be able to get it done for a half hour labor charge. So depending on where you live, $20 to $40. Awfully cheap, it could save you a couple thousand, and lots of headaches.<br /><br />Sure , just ask the seller if you can have it checked out. He can trailer it in, or maybe he will let you. Make no deposit or downpayment until AFTER you check it out. You pick, and pay for the mechanic. <br />If he won't let you get it checked over, then walk away.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

As you admit boating is new to you, the mentioned check is absolutely a MUST.<br /><br />A tune up and maybe another prop would make it perform better but only if the thing is all OK . If the mech points out anything this will have to be adressed before thinking about improving performance.<br /><br />Depending on the seller, you may get a reduction in price to cover neccessary repairs.<br /><br />It has been seen, that the cost of the mech who checks it follows the motor: Covered by the buyer if the deal is made or the seller if not (as he will then be the one to benefit from the mechs report).<br /><br />If you decide on it, remember that the 'care & service' that is crucial to all motors is VERY crucial to a Force.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

Ill probably get slapped for this but why would you buy an orphan motor with a shakey reputation,no factory parts support and a poor resale value.And right now apparently not performing up to par???

 

[foragedata]

Re: Force motor problems and I need advice!

Thank you for the input. We are considering this set-up because the VIP boat is in great shape and a neighboring farmer has it for sale for about $2300. The Force motor is a problem and we will either take it to a mechanic or walk away.