Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

[wiggler]

I've found a 95 Monark pro 170 alum. in excellent condition equipped with a 40hp FORCE.<br />The guy wants 3 bills and change. It looks good to me, but I'm new to boat ownership.<br />Should I run or should I stay? I've heard scary things about these motors.<br /><br />BTW, I'm an old shadetree when it comes to auto's and dirt bikes ect, just never owned a boat.

 

[JB]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Howdy, Wiggler.<br /><br />Force are not bad engines. They are very simple, '50s technology. They require more care than modern engines and they are less reliable.<br /><br />If I had a choice between a Force and any other brand I can think of I would probably pass up the Force.<br /><br />On the other hand, 3C's is a very attractive price. You have to decide if it is worth the gamble. An on-the-water demo should go a long way in that decision.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[moose211]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

i alway owned johnson motor but a good deal came up on a 17ft trophy 70 hp force it had 40hrs on the rig im on my second season and i like ther motor i just done push it i run about 3/4 throtal

 

[wiggler]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Thanks guys,<br /><br />The price is 3G's and change. It appears the boat was a little over 7G's when new (one owner boat). Searches on similar boats looks like ~3.5 to 4.5 average asking price (hard to tell). I know new ones of similar construction run around 9 to 10 grand (little steep for the old purse <uh, wallet I mean>)Cosmetically, the boat is fantastic. This guy took real good care of her, no UV damage, hull looks good, no rust on the trailer, good tires, everything seems to work (even the radio). Others I've looked at in this price range are far more ragged-out. Just a little nervous about that motor. I feel confident the guy took good care of her. It looks like the weather will clear tomorrow so we're taking her out on the lake. If I read you guys right there's no need to run from the motor if all goes well.<br /><br />wish me luck.

 

[lonewolf5347]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

you have to stay on top of these engine.i have a 1994 120,never any major problems.check the compression. check the chargeing system with a meter. check the lower unit ,take it for a good run on the water. good luck

 

[JB]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Three THOUSAND DOLLARS??!!<br /><br />Pass.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[wiggler]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Really JB? You feel that strongly against the Force motors huh? I guess I just don't understand. Any other similar boats I can find (1995/bass) are priced at least a grand or two more, some with force motors. Several sold before I could get to them. I would think $300 wouldn't get you a trailer, much less a boat and motor too! What price should I be looking for? If the boat had a Merc would it (assuming it checks out) be worth $3300????

 

[JB]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

I guess I'm getting old, Wiggler. I misread the year as '75.<br /><br />Yes, I would rather pay $3300 for the boat with a Merc than $3000 with the Force.<br /><br />It's not so much that the Force is a bad engine. It is the Yugo of outboards and has less resale value.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[wiggler]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Whew!<br /><br />I thought maybe I was way off track! For me, perhaps, a Yugo will suffice. <br /><br />I will keep looking, but the itch is mighty strong. Like Texas, it'll be scorching before too much longer and I'd like to get in a few good weekends before the lakes are filled with PWCs.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Just remember that the 40Hp Force is not the same HP as a Merc. 40Hp. The way the hp was measured is different (crank vs shaft) and the actual output may be more like 35 or less. I am not an expert, but this is what I've heard..

 

[12Footer]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

But you are correct, Rogerwa.This boat WILL be slow.But that isn't a bad price. Do frequent decarbs, or use an additive like "Ringfree".

 

[wiggler]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Took her out this evening. Cranked right off and idled very smoothly. The wind was high and the water rough. With two adults she made a little over 30 (MPH I assume, if the guage was correct). All systems look good. Checked both livewells (too bad I had no fish), trolling motor pulled well even in the gale-force winds. Just touching the starter set the engine purring (even when I forgot to trim her back into water... oops). Had my first adventure putting it back on the trailer with a 20 mph cross-wind! I wimped out and climbed into the water to wrestle it on the trailer (much to the chagrin of my partner!) Not fast, but I'm not interested in speed. I talked him into a little fishing trip this weekend. If it don't scare the fish I might be interested.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Hey 12footer..didja know that there was a test done on Force 15 hp motors and it was the fastest by 2 mph over every other outboard on the same HP class about 5 years ago?(all on same boat and two individuals) AND since about 1988 ALL outboards were rated @ prop, including Force.....They make great freshwater engines......owned three Force Engines by Mercury and all were flawless with no particular maintainence worries or special treatment.<br />But now that Force is deceased I use Mercs.....

 

[gevannos]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

I had two mid 80's Force motors and with one exception they were very good. (not Mercs of Evinrudes) but the price was appealing in those days. They fouled plugs like crazy, sometimes a couple a day. Buy good plugs and use good oil, not some generic bottle you pick up at the local gas station.<br /><br />Botom line is buy the best you can afford knowing up front it isn't a cadilac, take care of it the best you can and have fun.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Flyboy, I think you misunderstood me. I was not dissing the engine.However, i do not agree with the speed/HP thing. But the comment I made about it being a slow boat,was the HP-to-Hull wieght ratio.<br />Meaning, this boat is underpowered by about 20HP from maximum. I don't know what the CG sticker atates, but I am assuming if he wanted to, he could mount a larger engine.<br />If it were mine tho, I wouldn't, because 30MPH is plenty fast enough for me on the water

 

[Fooser]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB? <br /><br />No it's o.k. to walk. You will still outrun it.

 

[RJS]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

You could probably out swim it too. May I suggest the doggy paddle or the jellyfish float (if the current is right)

 

[Fooser]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Doggy Paddle ---That's funny thats how I get my Bayliner back to the dock 60% of the time...

 

[12Footer]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Definition of irony:<br /><br />Me, in my Bliner Capri 50HP Force, pulling a 25ft CC with a year-old yammie225. I towed him 4 miles.<br />Is Force the best engine ever made? No.<br />But think about that long and hard.<br />Then go buy whatever you want or can afford. Take care of it,and try your best to be happy with it. After all, that's the best reason to buy anything.

 

[wiggler]

Re: Should I run from a FORCE 40hp OB?

Thanks everyone, lots of info!<br /><br />I'm not out to win any races (the boat is rated for max 75), and I know it ain't a porsche, hopefully it ain't a Yugo! The price looks good, the fellow seems a good honest person, he took real good care of her, and the boat performs to my specs, so I bought it. Time will tell I suppose. Of course thunder storms are raging across the SE so I won't get out today <br /><br />My wallet thanks me too becuse I was close to buying a new one. If they had had one in stock I might be 10 g's poorer. Then I really would be expecting a Porsche!