force 85 for 125hp

[cairngorms]

i currently have an 1987 85hp force which runs great however, im looking to re-power with a 1986 force 125hp on a 17ft bayliner, which i believe is rated up to 90hp. The boat looks like it should handle a much larger outboard and the stern is in good condition....... has anyone done this before or had any issues doing so?

Also does anyone know if my 1987 controls will work for a 1986 125hp.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: force 85 for 125hp

The controls and almost everything else will swap.

As far as horsepower, you will get into the controversy of what is legal, and negligence in case of an accident. Everyone will have an opinion!

As far as I am concerned, "Too much horsepower is never enough." Last photo shows a modified 14 footer with a 90 (later changed to 125).

HOWEVER: If you want to swap, the larger 125 only weighs about 30 pounds more and realistically, if the transom is in good condition, it will handle the extra power too. Remember: almost every boat has a transom 2 inches thick, no matter what power they are handling.

HOWEVER: It would not hurt to reinforce the transom with some aluminum angle and plate.

Here you can see the .080 hard aluminum plate on the back of the transom. You can also see the top of a 2 X 3 X 3/16 aluminum angle with the other leg running inside the transom. It was 3 X 3 cut down to 2 inches on one leg.

Second photo shows a similar arrangement on my 15 footer (rated for 90) with a 105 hanging on it.

 

[jason32038]

Re: force 85 for 125hp

Frank what type of paint did you use to paint the Chrysler?

 

[cairngorms]

Re: force 85 for 125hp

great reply and the plating is a really good suggestion.

Where did you get the decals from, not that i intend to copy, but they look really good!

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: force 85 for 125hp

The first is from a place up near Hatfield Pa. called National decalcraft. The second is from a place in Norristown Pa.

ANY print shop that makes automobile decals or wraps can do it. Just give them the file on disc. You can get almost anything you want off the internet, however, you need to get somthing with a large enough file size so it will blow-up without getting blurry, or "pixelating"

In my case the first was actually taken off a print I bought (for quality) and they scanned it and cropped it to my specs. The second (charger) was obtained off the internet and I managed to get a copy with about 1MB size so it reproduced well. Just be sure they know that you need a mirror image for left and right side. Some don't understand mirror image so also specify left and right hand.

 

[cairngorms]

Re: force 85 for 125hp

great ..... thanks for the info.

Paul