15 Gamefisher, any good?

[mekkamaz]

Now I found someone selling an 198x (i guess) 15 Hp Gamefisher. He is asking 150..it is worth it?

I?m looking for a troller to put in my 16 ft Fiberglass, and my question is are they good for salt water? I?ve read some nasty comments of them in these conditions, are they real?

I think the obvious has to be made..impeller..carb...etc...hard to find or not? What make are this little fellas?

It is also stated that has a spark problem in one cyl..hard fix?

thanks again for watching...

 

[JDusza]

Re: 15 Gamefisher, any good?

Well, if this is what I think it is, this little fella is a Force or Chrysler from underneath the US Marine umbrella.

I have the 1986 Force 15. This Force 15 has powered a 14' Blue Fin for me. They make a great pair with the exception of constant low speed operation, i.e., trolling. Based on my experience, I will not recommend the Gamefisher to you if you want to troll. Anyone else is certainly entitled to and I am open to hear another opinion.

This engine runs best at high speed and is quite annoying at low speed. It will not idle smoothly and will most likely sneeze for being lean. When adjusted to idle better, the high end will suffer. I like to use the horsepower, so I have mine adjusted for the high end. This engine does not have what I would call a full, robust operating range.

Now, the good news is that it makes a great scoot-scoot engine for a small craft and for the money is basically a throw-away. It is a very simple, no frills engine. The interior is cheap and the casting has many fragile points that can result in damage at service. I have approached mine with care and have no complaints although the original plastic propeller was really a bad idea. Check the Gamefisher prop for plastic. You'll want to change that out.

So, anyway, not a good one for trolling; likes to run strong and long.

Hope this helps.
J

 

[mekkamaz]

Re: 15 Gamefisher, any good?

Thanks J! I really appreciate your input. Good comments. I?ve searching the web and this looks like a Sears gamefisher, this ones are Not Mercs, right? Different story or a little worst one?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 15 Gamefisher, any good?

I myself would pass on it whether it be Sears or Force. I serviced a 1997 5hp Gamefisher for a customer and he liked to crapped as the water pump kit to update the impeller was $140

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 15 Gamefisher, any good?

$140 WOW!!! That 5HP waterpump kit is probably different than 15HP as the 15HP impellers are still readily available, about $10. Though, as Fast said, parts availability is the major problem with these outboards...

I have a 7.5 Gamefisher (AKA Force, Chrysler) that's in the same family as the 15HP and it works great as a main engine. But, I don't like to troll with it as the idle is too rough and it shakes a bit, making numb hand syndrome after a while... I haven't had problems fouling out plugs though.

The biggest problem I see is finding a low pitch "trolling" prop. Ive been looking on/off for a high altitude prop for my 7.5HP (close to what a 15HP trolling prop would be) and they are pretty hard to come by.

Oh yeah, the ignition systems (BIM coils) are prone to going out and the repair isn't cheap.

... I'd pass

 

[JDusza]

Re: 15 Gamefisher, any good?

mekkamaz,
You are correct. These are not Mercs. These are much more basic, no extravagant design.
Perhaps same parent company as Mercury, US Marine, but these are their own unique design.
fishrdan nailed it, too; you won't be happy trolling with this engine.
J

 

[mekkamaz]

Re: 15 Gamefisher, any good?

Thank you guys! I?ll pass on this one...Now, In the same channel...what about this one??


As always, guys says "low hours", "works fine", etc. As is not close to home, have no way to really know. He?s asking around $ 900. How much do I offer? I have to say that I?m a Johnny enthusiast and fall right in! But holding my horses and thinking a bit, that?s why I humbly ask for your wisdom here...I asked the guy for model and serial...will wait for it but if anyone recognizes the year meantime....Cheers!!

Here?s my boat, for a little more info what the motor will move..

 

[raczekp1]

Re: 15 Gamefisher, any good?

hi.
looks nice.
post 87' 15hp powerhead in small cowl.mine 72' 6 hp had the same cowl.this model is propably a comercial model
not typical lower unit(just gearcase)-in nned to change lower unit you will have problems to find spear one.
slow spped adjustment in carb is missing and propably airslincer is missing also.
900$ is too much.
look for typical 9.9/15 hp Johnson ,Evinrude