Scary Buying a Boat

[mike t]

I have never owned a boat before and I am looking at a 1988 bayliner with a 125 hp Merc.<br /><br />With the price of a new motor scaring the crap out of me how can I best check the existing motor?<br /><br />Thanksfor any help

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

the first thing would be a compression check,you might have to pay someone to do it but it will be worth it in the long run. jim

 

[mike t]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

Thanks for th info. I'll do it.

 

[Backlash]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

Sound advice on the compression check. Make sure all the cylinders test above 110 or so and that there isn't more than 5-10 lbs difference in any two. By the way, are you sure it's a Merc or is it a Force? Whichever, see if the present owner has any maintenance records, receipts, etc.<br />Also a good idea to take the engine cover off and just "eyeball" the engine for corrosion, wiring condition, evidence of discoloration (heat) on any components.

 

[mike t]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

Thanks for the advice. Not sure it is a Merc or a Force. I will check it out this afternoon. I am going to buy a compression checker and take it to the sellers house with a 55 gal drum to check it out. <br /><br />I hear mercs are real good engines, how are Forces?

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

mike, the mercs are very good,as for the force.....well the jurys stll out there are a few threads on this board about forces,my advice is to check them out.....

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

mike, the mercs are very good,as for the force.....well the jurys stll out there are a few threads on this board about forces,my advice is to check them out.....

 

[JB]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

Ahoy, Mike. Yes, do all of the above, BUT: <br />1. Don't accept evidence gathered in a tank that the engine will work under load. That evidence must be gathered on the water.<br />2. Take an ice pick to the flooring in search of soft spots. Check for softness and flex everywhere in the hull.<br />3. If the seller can't produce documented evidence of regular preventive maintenance, assume regular neglect.<br />4. Don't accept "well, it was made by Mercury" as evidence of quality if the engine is a FORCE. That's like calling a Pinto a Lincoln. IF well cared for they last well and give good service. If neglected or abused they turn into junk very quickly.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />JB

 

[mbb]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

Make sure you run the engine for at least 30 min or so, at all speeds on the water. Check the water flow from the pisser at idle and while runnin. A Force may not have a pisser. Inquire about last time impeller was replaced. <br />Do compression check when get the boat back out of the water. <br />Take drain plug out of lower unit and drain a few drops of oil into a white paper cup, there should be no water droplets or creamy looking oil, as this will indicate leaking lower unit seal. <br /><br />Check Trim/Tilt supports engine when trimmed up and does not leak down.. Trim motor up and leave up for about 30 min to check this.

 

[Walter]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

Mike... Do know anyone who's experienced in the boating/outboard field who'd be willing to go with you on a sea trial and give the whole package a good look see? All the advice offered thus far is excellent...but a trained eye might spot something you may not see...or think to question. Just recently, someone in this column said something to the affect that money doesn't disappear faster than on a poor boat investment. Trust me...truer words have never been spoken! KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING! The best of luck to you! Walt

 

[mike t]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

Thanks for all of the advise. I did a lot of what was suggested an purchase the 1988 bayliner 1900 capri w/125 force for 4K.<br /><br />I'll let you know how it goes.<br /><br />Is the Fprce a good engine if taken care of properly?<br /><br />Too late now, just an FYI.

 

[Walter]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

I've always had a prejudice against Force...no real reason but I guess it's because they remind me of the Chrysler outboards...and for no real reason I never liked them much either. You're talkin' to a die-hard Mercury fan here. Anyway, my marine mechanic buddy assures me Force outboards can be as reliable as any, but as has been stated so many times in this column...any engine's performance and reliability hinges more on the care it's been given than anything else. <br /><br />Good luck with your new boat...and... (I just can't resist)...<br /><br />May the Force be with you...<br /><br />Walt

 

[mike t]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

I am taking the boat to a mechanic Monday to have it checked out and get some maintenance tips.<br /><br />Can anyone recomend a good manual that I should get for maintenance and minor repairs.

 

[page62]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

One of the reasons people don't like Chrysler outboards is those plug-ugly cowls. I have an early Force 50 -- its cowl is an old Chrysler style with a big, cheap "Force" sticker on it. In later years, they got streamlined cowls and dark paing, making them look much better.<br /><br />Of course, that doesn't mean that what's inside is any better... But another problem with Force is that so many clueless first-time buyers have purchased them due to their relatively low price. (There are many first-time buyers that have a clue, I'm just singling out the morons.) This has doomed many an engine from the start!

 

[Tcher_j]

Re: Scary Buying a Boat

Forces are relatively good motors but in my opinion there like a trophy wife DEMANDING they like premium gas not regular and they like to be used alot they also like to blow there lower seals