Force 50HP problems with stalling and lack of acceleration

[prop42]

I'm in the process of buying a 1989 Bluefin 1704 Spectrum but the owner says that the engine (Force 50HP) has problems with stalling and lacks acceleration. I believe the cost of the boat is fair but I don't want to spend a ton of money on engine repairs. Does anyone have any idea on what would cause this? I am a newbie at this so any help would be greatly appreciated. Happy boating!!!

 

[JB]

Re: Force 50HP problems with stalling and lack of acceleration

Howdy, Prop42. You really aren't being ignored, but you put us on the spot. It is very likely that the problems are minor.... fuel pump, carb, etc. It is also possible that they are terminal, ie: cost more to fix than the value of the engine. The biggest problem is that the present owner doesn't know/wont tell what is wrong. That doesn't give me confidence that the engine has had the TLC a Force, well, any outboard, requires.<br /><br />If the price is right and you accept the risk that the engine is junk, go for it. You could get lucky.<br /><br />Red sky at night.<br />JB

 

[ozarkjeep]

Re: Force 50HP problems with stalling and lack of acceleration

I dont have alot to offer, but I just purchased a 1988 Bluefin superhark16 with a 50 hp force for $1400<br /><br />it has low compression, ive replaced the head gasket $20, and the impeller ( there was a new one in the boat)<br /><br />but Ive yet to put it in the water to check the results<br /><br />before I realised there was a hole in the head gasket, it would start right up, seriously the first revolution of the starter would crank it<br /><br />I bought it from a pawn shop who was asking $2000, its got a galvanized tilt trailer with 14 inch wheels, a foot control bow mounted 12 volt trolling motor ( manufatcured by motorguide) an in dash flasher, and all the other stuff.<br /><br />just to give you a price perspective.<br /><br /> Im a die hard merc fan, but Im really starting to think that Force outboards arent as bad as the reputaion they can conjur

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Force 50HP problems with stalling and lack of acceleration

I would add the risk level into the offer price if you choose to bite.. In my view the price is only fair if it accounts for the uncertainty, which could be significantly lower than what he is offering..<br /><br />Nadaguides put the value at roughly 1900-2400, considering that we are talking about an operating outboard. The force 50hp is optimistically worth $800 running. Not running and unsure of it's condition and I would put it at $300 (you could part it out for that, maybe more).. My numbers will vary depending on where you live, but you get the idea.<br /><br />This is just how I would approach it..

 

[prop42]

Re: Force 50HP problems with stalling and lack of acceleration

Thank you JB, Ozark and Rogerwa! The asking price is $2400. I think that $1700 would be my buying point after reading Rogerwa's post. Even though the boat is in great condition, it can't go anywhere with a working motor

I'm starting to think that the best idea is to go to our local boat dealership and look at new boats. The last thing that I want to do is buy a boat with a iffy engine and have me and my family stuck in the middle of the water. Thanks again everyone for your help.<br /><br />For your info here is the link and specs of the boat: http://www.ohioboats.com/aluminum_boats/blue_fin/440051.html