Force outboards - Would you buy one for use for a few years?

Question

I'm thinking of getting an entry level Bayliner or something similar with an open bow for water skiing and fishing. The problem is most of the boats I am looking at seem to come with Force outboards in the 90 to 120 range.

I know Force is no longer in business, and parts are hard to come by, but for me, this isn't a keep forever type of purchase. I plan on using the boat/motor for a couple of years to see if I will use it as much as I think I will. If I do, then I plan on selling and moving up to a better boat. My problem is I don't want to get stuck with a motor that will cost me a boatload (sorry I couldn't resist!) of money to fix during this period when I'm trying to decide if I want to get a new boat or not. I would love to find a Merc, but as I'm sure you all know they are pricey and don't come with the boats I'm looking at. If you do think it is a good idea to go with a Force outboard, are any things in particular I should look for when I'm looking at potential boats?

Answer 1

If you need a good boat anchor Force engines work well.

They are troublesome and the pain in the ---- to work on

Answer 2

They are good cheap engines for the most part. And you can still get most parts for them as well.

Answer 3

depends on the year model.  the earlier ones were 100% Chrysler.  most shops these days won't even let them in the door...including me.  in the '90's, Merc used the Chrysler basic block and carb., but put Merc lower units and electronics on them.  these were good engines.

Answer 4

first let's get something straight, bayliner only makes the hulls like every other boat builder, every thing else on the boat is purchased off the shelf,  this is why you can go into a hole in the wall boat parts dealer and more than likely they will have the part.  i've own boats all over the price scale, it seems to me the more the boat cost  the worst the boat was,  i had a 18 ft baylinner with a 120hp force outbroad, that was the most reliable boat i've ever owned, i put a lota hours on it and used it for off shore fishing, now the bad things about it,  very rough riding boat, the force engine smoked, during the day you could hardly notice it but early morning or late afternoon it was very noticeable, i would buy another baylinner

Answer 5

As I said before, I would lean toward an inboard in a boat that old, simply due to the fact outboards of this age are ready to go.  

There is a reason the only boats in your price range have Force motors.  The motors are spent...

You would be better off going for an older boat with an inboard than a newer one with the Force.

No doubt William (answer above) knows what he's talking about.  18' boats aren't "offshore fishing boats" and any 18-footer will "ride rough in anything other than calm conditions at sea.

Answer 6

A Bayliner and a Force outboard are usually what a first time boat buyer is attracted to, It's NOT a good investment, return re-sale value on a Bayliner with a Force outboard is almost "ZERO", the rectifiers constantly go bad on the Force, and a "Bayliner" is " very poor quality", and cheap construction. Don't get "HOSED" walk away from this deal ! a first time boat buyer is what a person selling this package is looking for !

Answer 7

Sure, Force are good, there are lots of them out there.

Parts wont be a problem for years and years and any mechanic will be able to work on should it becomes necessary.

Answer 8

My experience with a nice looking FORCE 50hp was frustrating. Spare parts hard to get by; alternatives from Mercury sometimes not fitting.

Buy yourselve a good engine; it is the heart of your boat.