Re: 125hp force - is this worth it?
Is it worth it? Difficult question to answer since you have not stated price and engine year.
However, if you are getting what, by consensus, is a decent price, Force engines are really no worse or no better than others. They do have a poor reputation and so, used engines usually do not command the same prices as other brands. Be aware that you are buying an engine that has not been manufactured for about ten years. Some marinas refuse to work on them. However, if you are willing and able to work on them, they are simple engines with easy maintenance, easy repairs, and usually (compared to others) cheaper repairs. Many parts are readily available, either new or used. They use a 50 to 1 gas to oil mix. No VRO to break down, but a little bit of fuss to figure how much oil to add to a permanent tank during partial fill-ups. I can live with that.
If the 125 is in good condition and running well, if propped correctly it should move your 20 foot cuddy at about 30 or so MPH, possibly a little more depending on load. You might get 35 but you won't get 40MPH.
Is it safe to take on the ocean? Well- I don't know the engine. I guess you mean do you need to worry about it breaking down and stranding you. ANY outboard can fail at an inopportune time. Use it close to port or where help is available until you get a feel for it's performance, then if you have had no problems, trust it for longer trips. However even with my outboards that I have a track record on, when I take any sizeable trip, I ALWAYS have a kicker engine mounted ---just in case. Example: I had a beautiful running 125 with lots of hours and no problems and took it to the Chesapeake. Ran it all day (30 gallons) with no problems. 4 miles away from the dock I went to full throttle and snapped the prop shaft. A little 8 horse kicker that I bought for 25 bucks took an hour or so to get me back, BUT, I did get back and under my own power.
So, there you have it. The decision is yours.
