Force outboard??

[mtorts]

Hi guys, i am looking at a boat that has a 1997 force 120hp outboard on it. I know very little about force motors except that they were made by mercury then bought out by bayliner. Are they now once again made by mercury and are they a second tier motor?? What are your opinions about these motors?? I am also looking at the same boat with a 1997 merc 115hp which seems to be the safer bet for me. What do you think??

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force outboard??

They were made by Chrysler, then USMarine, then Mercury. All production ceased in 1999.

The later year motors were pretty good, early 90's not so good.

I'd jump on the 115 Merc motor/boat.

Yes they were 2nd tier motors, old technology and designs.

The only 2 motors that were/are worse are the last couple years of OMC Ficht injection motors, and the 1956-7 Klowsner motors.

Not all Force motors are bad, but if you have the option to avoid them, take it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force outboard??

I've owned and worked on Forces since 1985.I have a pair of 88/85's on my boat.The technology is simple, straightforward and dependable. Parts are still available.
They are a little harder on fuel than some other outboards.
As long as you take care of ANY outboard it will take care of you.
That 97 has a lot of Mercury parts and a Force/Chrysler powerhead.
The 115 Mercury depending on the model can be a pain or a plus.4/6 cylinder?4 stroke?
Good luck.
My self I wouldn't be afraid of buying the Force after an inspection,including a compression test.J

 

[199675hpforce]

Re: Force outboard??

Motor's are like anything condition. I sold my boat with force mercury on back. I was shopping for new motor, if force 125hp came up brand new I would have purchased. The by mercury's not that bad motors infact better than some other outboards Ficht Evinrudes come to mind. My new used boat has Yamaha but ive had to completely go through the sucker and kind wished I had old 96hp force because it was super clean and simple. Items replaced on Yamaha tilt and trim leaked needed complete reseal,lower units not as good Mercury force and did lots work. Condition is everything on any used outboard. I looked at 17ft boat with 125 F/M carbs had ooze jelled fuel you guessed I passed on boat. I also owned 115hp 2+2 mercury strong strong motor fast.


I would say best motors go like this
Sweet Honda,evinrude etec,Yamaha,Mercury, so so motors,suzuki,tohatsu,forcebymercury,johnsons,bad chryslers,omc, Some new suzuki 4strokes like 140 get excellent reviews

Do not buy american car's or trucks untill they get there shiat together $20k for ford fiesta give me break lol.