Insight on a 1994 Spectrum Sport 16' w/Force 70hp

[_kris_]

Hi,
First off i'd like to say thanks to all the members and how much i appreciate what you guys are doing. It's great to see people communicating and helping each other out.

So, I'm very new to boating, don't know much about motors and hulls, but i'm trying to do my due diligence.

I'm looking at a 1994 Spectrum Sport 16' with a Force 70hp engine. I want to be brief and just ask for advice on what i can look out for/what problems are most common with this engine.

The engine has good compression, but no spark. Steering is stiff.

The hull is in good condition. Nothing is visible from underneath, but the interior is probably going to need a good cleaning. The hull/interior is the least of my worries-the longevity of the engine is what has me worried.

So what would be the worth of the boat/engine? I would like to know a rough estimate of how much i should offer the seller. The boat comes with a trailer in decent condition, nothing to complain about knowing its age.

I will post a separate thread for the engine discussion, but would like some insight overall on this combination.

Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Insight on a 1994 Spectrum Sport 16' w/Force 70hp

Ayuh,... That motor, being a Force, is much Less than desirable...
A boat without a motor is virtually Worthless...
So,..
The package is basically worth the Value of the Trailer...

 

[JimMH]

Re: Insight on a 1994 Spectrum Sport 16' w/Force 70hp

The value of a force outboard is very low and one that doesn't run is even less. Not familiar with the brand of boat. Pictures would help out some but I would not expect much more than the value of the trailer.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Insight on a 1994 Spectrum Sport 16' w/Force 70hp

$300.

 

[lprizman]

Re: Insight on a 1994 Spectrum Sport 16' w/Force 70hp

boat and motor $0.00
Trailer $400.00
boat, motor and trailer $300.00
$100.00 off for removing his headache

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Insight on a 1994 Spectrum Sport 16' w/Force 70hp

Not a well-made boat and an obsolete outboard. I'd avoid it. A boat and motor from just about any other manufacturers would be a better buy.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Insight on a 1994 Spectrum Sport 16' w/Force 70hp

Contrary to the others: My opinion is that for the right price it will be a good buy.

The engine was made by Merc and has Merc ignition.So, parts are available. However, with no spark it can be any component in the ignition system or all of them. So: deduct 500 bucks from what he is asking to get the engine running. (it should most likely cost less though)

Then, of course, there is psychology: Force engines (as you can see from the previous answers) are not desirable. However, like the ugly girl at school, she is a cheap date and puts out.

If you get it cheap, the engine uses Merc. props and controls and is a decent engine. It should give reasonable life if not abused. I have one in my garage right now. Unfortunately it was abused and needs a rebuild. Also unfortunately, the ignition system was salvaged from it. But I'm good and will substitute an older Prestolite ignition I have on hand.

 

[newoldboatguy]

Re: Insight on a 1994 Spectrum Sport 16' w/Force 70hp

great boat junk motor. I have spent many hours trolling from a 17' spectrum with a johnson outboard, the force blew up the first year. good luck