Force 120 Outboard

[Aaron]

Hello,<br />New to the board and am looking at a Maxum 17' with the Force 120 outboard. The boat is a 1994 and I was wondering what people thought about that motor. I know it is not a Johnson or Mercury, but I have been told that it was made by either Mercury or Chrysler. Any history or help would be great.<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />Aaron

 

[skier]

Re: Force 120 Outboard

Aaron:<br /><br />Here goes. Force used to be Chrysler, US Marine aquired Chrysler and changed the name to Force. Several years ago Mercury aquired Force when the got US Marine (Bayliner). Mercury changed several things on the Force motor (Lower unit, Electronics and such). Mercury has dropped the Force line either this year or last year (Not sure). Force motors are rated for HP at the crankshaft not the prop like all others. That 120 Force is equal to about a 85 - 90hp at the prop. I have heard from a few mechanics that if you have the motor rebuilt and change pistons and sleeves that they are decent motors.<br /><br />I hope that this helps you in your choices of what to buy.<br /><br />Craig

 

[kelley l.]

Re: Force 120 Outboard

I had a Force '93 120 and an '88 35 that ran beautifully. These motors get trash talked up a lot, but if well maintained, they run fine. Find out what the owner did during the off seasons with it (he should have fogged it), and have him start it for you to make sure it runs, and the gear linkage is functioning.