Force Motor Opinions

Pat M

Pat M

Active member
I found a '89 50 hp Force outboard with controls and an extra prop on CL that I am interested in putting on my 16' V-hull Smokercraft. I currently have a a 35hp evinrude on there. I have never used a Force before and I'm wondering what your opinions on it are? Reliable, power? I know its alittle harder to find parts for them and that mercury bought them out but thats about it. He's asking $950- what do you think would be a fair price?

I just don't want to swap out motors to find out I was better off with the 35hp. I'm just looking to get a little more get up when I'm fully loaded. With 3 guys in my boat I can really notice a difference with the 35hp.

Here are some pics he sent me.
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Thanks for the help
 
I recommend inspecting it thoroughly. Running it.......preferably under load, in the water. Can't tell much about 2-strokes when running them with no load.
If you're looking for more power, I don't know how you could be "better off" with a 35hp.
Older 2-strokes have the advantage of being lighter than new 2-strokes.......and much lighter than 4-strokes.. which I imagine is a BIG PLUS for a duck boat application.
I very much against the new laws against 2-strokes outboards.......especially small outboards.
My 2000 40 hp Merc only weighs 160 lbs, which I know of no other new motor that weighs as less.
 
Pat:

Some observations: it looks like the motor is in relatively good condition with few dings or paint chips below the water line. The prop looks good. My guess is that this motor was used on a fishing boat rather than some crazy duck hunter's rig. A lot of duck rigs end up blasting through stumps and timber at zero dark thirty and get beat up pretty bad. Bring a compression guage with you and do a quick compression check before you lay any money down. No opinion on Force motors other than you get what you pay for. Good luck.

Kevin
 
Pat,
My free opinion (you get what you pay for) is to keep your money and look for a motor you can get parts for. Force (chrysler) motors were pretty good motors but if there are no mainstream parts suppliers and something breaks and we all know something will, you are at the mercy of the antique parts dealers $$$$$$$. OR buy it with the idea that when it breaks you just cut your losses and go shopping again. Seems like a bit of money to gamble. Good luck.
 
I hope that I don't upset anyone but I was always thought that they were junk. The only time I ever saw one was on a Bayliner. Enough said? You make the call. For $950, I would definitly keep looking!

Robie Gardner
 
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