1998 Force 9.9

[carolinagreenhead]

I have always heard that Force outboards are junk. They are made my Mercury so I am confused on this. I have a chance to buy a 1998 9.9hp Force 2 stroke. I have only seen pics of it thusfar but from the looks of the pics it is totally clean. It actually looks brand new. The owner has told me that it runs great and there is nothing wrong with it. The price seems to be right. So I am asking this, would it be worth taking a look at it, taking it for a test run or should I leave it alone? Is Force a good motor or am I walking into a potential mess?

I also have a chance at a 9.8 hp Mercury 2 stroke. A little bit older and seems a bit more used but still in good condition. Which way should I go? I am no motor expert so some advise here would be great. Thanks for looking.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1998 Force 9.9

You should check if there is a dealer/mechanic in the area that will work on it.
Mercury stopped active parts support a few years ago.
You might check here to compare parts available here to more common brands.
For instance there are no 98 Force props available here, yet a similar 9.9 Evinrude there are 6 different sizes, aluminum, stainless3 and 4 blades available.

 

[pecheux]

Re: 1998 Force 9.9

You did not write the price wanted for that Force by Merc OB ... I purchased a 1997 Force 15 hp that was also like new but paid less $ than if it would have been a Johnson or Evinrude. Most major parts are still available at my local Mercury dealer ... but not all and fading out like steelespike mentioned. In my case 15 hp's are hard to find in my area and although I am happy with the motor had I been looking for a 9.9 hp I would have better choices ...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1998 Force 9.9

The Force motor is definitely not junk, but as mentioned, parts and service are the issue. If you can get it cheap enough if might be a good buy. You can't beat JohnnyRudes for parts availability. Even Mercury has been a little spotty in some areas.