1996 Force 90 HP?

[musikman43155]

I'm considering buying a 1996 Starcraft Starcaster 1700 which has a '96 Force 90 HP outboard on it. While it won't be until next week before I see the boat in person, the current owner says everything has been very well taken care of.

I found in a short time that the Force outboards have a less than stellar reputation, which is the only thing that leaves me hesitant about this boat. The owner states the powerhead was rebuilt in 2008 by a reputable NW OH shop & runs great.

I only have experience w/ my 5HP Mariner which runs like a top. I do intend on taking a test launch before I completely commit.

Any suggestions or general info is greatly appreciated.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1996 Force 90 HP?

I have had a pair of Forces for over 23 years.No major problems.Once in a while a head gasket will go because of salt water.
Most motors give signs of trouble WAY before they self destruct.They figure out why it went?
They will last as long as U maintain them.
Do a compression and spark test.Check the oil after you go for a ride.J

 

[musikman43155]

Re: 1996 Force 90 HP?

I've read that this was the first year that they started integrating mercury parts?

I'm nervous about owning such a large motor, for fear of large costs repairing it. If I buy this boat, I fully intend on maintaining it throughly to keep it in tip top shape.

Perhaps I should mention that this boat will never see saltwater & to be quite honest will probably be used sparingly. I live in SE OH & almost every lake is 10HP limits. Only 2 or 3 that I can think of allow idling or no wake with unlimited horsepower.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1996 Force 90 HP?

They started putting Mercury parts on them back in 1990, when Brunswick bought them.

1996 was the first year for the cdm ignition.

Although the motor is a decent motor, a few things concern me.

What was the cause of the motor failure? Why did it need to be rebuilt?

Do you want to buy a motor from a company that stopped production in 1999, and discontinued factory support a few years ago?

Do you have a good local service shop that is both knowledgable and willing to work on a Force motor?


Lastly, why buy a rig with a 90hp motor, if all you will be able to do is idle around?
This is not good for 2 stroke motors, they need to run.
Why not buy a smaller boat with a 10 hp motor?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: 1996 Force 90 HP?

Check out the discoloration on the transom.

 

[musikman43155]

Re: 1996 Force 90 HP?

Check out the discoloration on the transom.

What are you saying the discoloration could be?

Well, you guys have me second guessing this now. I understand the fact that the motor is no longer made, but, it seems this is a good boat for the money. Again, I haven't looked @ it in person yet, but, will this week.

Unless he is completely lying, he says the motor has been very good.

This is directly from his thread:

Power head was re-manufactured by Macalls Marine in 2008 and it runs Great

As of July of last year he was asking $4800, & now I have him somewhere around $3000.

Is this boat any "better" than a 1996 Bass Tracker Pro 18?

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1996 Force 90 HP?

To me, the discoloration almost looks like sealant or caulk, could be an indication of a leak, and possible water damage to the transom. Check it out.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: 1996 Force 90 HP?

^^^my thoughts exactly^^^

 

[j_ringo5]

Re: 1996 Force 90 HP?

I can't speak to the boat or the transom, but I have that exact same motor and it seems to run nice and strong for me. I have it on a 16 ft skeeter bass boat that I run in FL salt water and it runs like a dream.