1996 Gamefisher 15hp Opinion??

J

jlesh8480

Cadet
Joined
May 18, 2009
Messages
14
Hi all,

I was just wondering your opinion of a 1996 Gamefisher (force) 15hp engine. This is my first smaller boat with a tiller. I bought the motor for $200???? It runs great and looks like new. I have researched a little and it doesnt look like the parts are very plentiful. Did I pay too much?? Thanks for any input.
 
Frank Acampora

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 1996 Gamefisher 15hp Opinion??

No, you didn't pay too much. Those smaller engines are in demand and command premium prices. The 9.9 are most expensive because a lot of lakes have a less than 10 HP restriction.

As far as parts: New ones may be difficult to find but there is a thriving market in used. So even though the engines are no longer made you still should be able to find what you need -- if ever you need anything. Well cared for, those small engines may just outlive you.
 
F

fishrdan

Admiral
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: 1996 Gamefisher 15hp Opinion??

I like my 88 (87, 89 ? can't remember) 7.5 HP Gamefisher/Force, it's the same as your 15HP, just detuned. For $200 I say you did well, and as you found the biggest drawback is lack of parts. The ignition is weak and prone to going out, run it till it breaks, then either buy the CDI ignition upgrade kit ($150) or see if Standard Magneto can build you a BIM coil ($75) or 2. (These outboards will idle surprisingly well with a dropped cylinder, so if it's idling a bit low and has no power on the water, check for spark on both cylinders.)

You want to do some preventive maintenance to keep it running, water pump impeller, lower unit lube, fuel pump kit, might as well change out the fuel lines to ethanol resistant lines while you are at it.
 
J

jim j geezer

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 16, 2012
Messages
189
Re: 1996 Gamefisher 15hp Opinion??

One more "preventive maintenance" issue to be aware of if your outboard is going to be around sand: Don't let sand get into the plastic pieces/parts of the recoil starter. Get a few burrs on the inside surfaces where the gear goes up and down and... the gear won't go UP!
 
M

mrcrabs

Guest
Re: 1996 Gamefisher 15hp Opinion??

I really like the small force outboards. they run great and a nice clean, sound 96 15hp that rips is worth as much or close to a nice J/E 9.9 in todays market I think mostly due to high gas prices, but there is one thing you will need and thats a 9.9 Force/ Gamefisher hood....lol

On another note, Since you got it so cheap I would think hard bout doing the coil upgrade before you get stranded or frustrated because you will, the old saying "if it an't broke don't fix it" kind of goe's out the window for me when it comes to outboard ignition.

nice ones of that vintage will go $500-700+ depending on location.
 
J

jlesh8480

Cadet
Joined
May 18, 2009
Messages
14
Re: 1996 Gamefisher 15hp Opinion??

Where can I find the parts for the coil upgrade??
 
F

fishrdan

Admiral
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: 1996 Gamefisher 15hp Opinion??

Here's the CDI kit for an 89 Force(Gamefisher) 116-2379K 2. I bought mine from iBoats several years ago, but they are not in stock now, other places have them.

(I sold my functional BIM coil on Ebay for $30-40 to recoup some of the CDI kit price...)
 
J

jim j geezer

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 16, 2012
Messages
189
Re: 1996 Gamefisher 15hp Opinion??

Force 15HP 004.jpg <--Homlier'n a mud fence, but I sold it for $500 last month. Sand/grit had gotten into the recoil and the plastic gear wouldn't go up. Don't know the vintage because the ID tag was nowhere to be found. Replaced the fuel lines, cleaned the carb and installed a new recoil rope. 1st or 2nd pull got it running. Somewhere I read that the Chrysler/Force 15 is the lightest 15 you can find.
 
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