Is this 1988 Force 125 good?

[YN2(SS)]

I have a good deal of experience with antiques (Johnson/Sea King/Tecumseh) and have helped a friend revive a 1980 Merc 40. I found a boat the other day, a 1988 Bayliner 18 with an 88 Force 125. I have inspected the hull and trailer and am confindent that I understand their condition. I looked at the outboard and am unfamiliar with a Force product. The owner (2nd in the life of the boat) states it last ran 3 years ago and at that time he was able to get it to run but stated it wouldn't run full power. (to his best recollection). Visually, the outboard and boat appear to have been used little and well maintained, but in the last 3 years have become very dirty. Inside the cowl of the o/b, there is no residual gas or oil, and virtually no rust anywhere. It is CLEAN, except for 3 years of cobwebs. prop looks good, skeg is in good condition. The whole thing has been under a tarp under a tree. This deal pretty much hinges on the condition of the o/b, but I'm not for sure where to start evaluating this o/b that I know I wud not be able to get running before I buy. How does the shifting mechanism work? so I can check the viability of the lower unit. Should I hook up a battery and try to turn it over and check compressions? Would those compressions be valid? Should I check lower unit oil level and condition? I expect I would have to replace the impeller (it has one, right?) and rebuild the carbs and then look for other problems. Any thoughts?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Is this 1988 Force 125 good?

Compression test would be the vital bit of info. Above 100# and within 10% of each other. Impeller is a given. $$$?

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Is this 1988 Force 125 good?

would the compression test be valid on an engine that hasnt run in three years? Should I turn it over several times spraying premix or WD 40 into each cylinder to lubricate and wet the rings and walls? $$$ in regards to the boat or what I can spend?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Is this 1988 Force 125 good?

Search "waking a sleeping motor". A lubricant would be good in the cylinders. Was just curious as to the asking price.

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Is this 1988 Force 125 good?

Thanks FFisher! I'll look for that thread. I thought the lubricant would make the test results more valid.
As for asking price, thats the big question. The trailer frame is solid but needs a new jack, winch, strap, retaining chains, tires and rims and bunks to function and meet my standards. I expect a few wiring problems as well. The hull gelcoat is 8/10. dirty with a few damage spots but easy repairs and no fading. The vinyl is moldy, but not sunfaded with 3 tears (I think). All the removable seats have been stored at his house indoors. the wood is solid except for a small spot which should be an easy repair. The carpet is in great shape, little to no wear, but like the whole boat, DIRTY. The boat was stored inside for 15 years, has been used little and is in surprisingly good shape, just really dirty. It is not a restoration. Then the outboard. No rust anywhere under the cowling, no burnt wires, no tell tale trails of dripping heat sink, no gas or oil in the cowling. In good condition, tons of cobwebs.
Owner doesnt have a price (or wont state it). I'm not for sure how to price it. He's not looking for top $. It could be a really good deal for me. Clean, the boat would be in amazing shape. 88 Bayliner 18 turbo bowrider with a good front cover and ski pole.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Is this 1988 Force 125 good?

Beware soft spots in the deck. They most likely rot from the bottom up. Tilt the motor and push down near the prop. Watch for any give in the transom. Good Luck

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Is this 1988 Force 125 good?

Again, thanks. And your advice regarding rot is sound. Where there is some, there tends to be alot. I think your most telling statement is, Good Luck. I'm gonna look the thing over real good and then just try to offer a price that matches. Thats the game, right?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Is this 1988 Force 125 good?

Set a maximum you will pay. Offer substantialy less. Let him dicker you up some. Both come out winners. Use a flashlight and stick your head in every availiable space. Ski locker, under seats, batt compartment, climb in under the splashwell and see how much of the fuel tank and stringers you can see. Rusted bolts, dark stains, plugged drain holes, excess debris, etc. are all negotiating factore. A corroded and pitted fuel tank means lifting the deck. I learned these lessons after the fact, but with the help of the guys on here, I'm floating high and dry and can go faster than I'm willing. edit: Almost forgot-If you can get it started on muffs, ask if he's willing to go for a test run. That would be A-OK.

 

[jaybirddog11]

Re: Is this 1988 Force 125 good?

Put the engine in gear, turn the flywhell, the prop should turn, if not you could have a busted drive shaft. I learned the hard way.