Force or Merc?

[inthedirtagain]

Assuming that both check out mechanically and have good compression, what is your opinion on powering a 17ft BR deep-V: 1992 Force 90hp or 1986 Merc 90hp? I'm looking at two very similar boats and these are the outboards attached to each. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

 

[JB]

Re: Force or Merc?

Even though the Merc is 6 years older it is more advanced technically and its servicability will last beyond the Force.

If the choice is only the outboards I would choose the Merc.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force or Merc?

The Merc will also probably have the edge in top speed. While I like Force engines I would also opt for the Merc. On the other hand, If you prefer to do your own repairs, the Force is a much simpler engine to work on.

 

[yamatech43]

Re: Force or Merc?

Force engines were made by Chrysler and other early on and in 1994 were bought and produced by Mercury...usually forces from then on were Mercs from year before or basic models of the mercs.....'92 is NOT a good year for Force.

 

[F_R]

Re: Force or Merc?

Most Merc dealers have stopped servicing Force motors. Beware of hard to find parts. They were good enough motors, but obsolete

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Force or Merc?

usually forces from then on were Mercs from year before or basic models of the mercs

I don't think this part is true.

 

[whofan]

Re: Force or Merc?

Mercury built Force in the last days of its production.

Mercury engineering never made it in the Force motor. Force (old Chrysler) was what mercury built.

Mariner is same as Mercury but Force is not.

I would only take a Force motor if given to me for free.
Not that they`re bad just that they are long gone with 1960`s engineering.
If repairing a Force you`re to the point of putting good money into bad.

 

[79Merc80]

Re: Force or Merc?

ezmobee and whofan are correct, Force is NOT the same as Mercury/Mariner. For example, take a look at the 90 Merc and 90 Force. If they were the same, then why do they have different displacement?? The only thing Mercury Marine did was upgrade the lower unit and electronics on the later models, but they are still nothing more than an old Chrysler/Westbend

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Force or Merc?

HUMONGOUS point that no one touched upon is the type of fuel induction system. The old Chrysler engines, to which Frank will surely attest....has in the past, were cross flow engines and not known for fuel economy. The Merc designs have gone from Cross Flow to Direct Charged and years ago they redesigned their fleet and Looped Charged all but the old 4 cyl "Classic" which bounced around at 40-50 hp over the years, being basically an updated Mark 55 40 hp Cross flow.

So, having had all three, NO WAY would I want a cross flow when I could get a looper, with all else equal. Fuel economy is much more important today than it used to be and the more mpg you get the more you will use and enjoy your boat at today's high fuel prices.

Mark

 

[pecheux]

Re: Force or Merc?

Force engines were made by Chrysler and other early on and in 1994 were bought and produced by Mercury...usually forces from then on were Mercs from year before or basic models of the mercs.

Nope ... sorryyyy me beleve when Force became Force/by Merc only a few parts (electronic perhaps) from Merc got into the old Force/Chrysler but it still basicaly was a Chrysler motor. The move was to kill the Force market leaving more room for Mercury motors.
If I am wrong I would rather switch than fight ... lol

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Force or Merc?

sooooooo since this question looks to be pretty well answered (I vote for the merc here too) lemme hijack a WEE bit..... How do you guys feel on the same question except on a 76 merc 115 inline 6 vs a low hour 94 force 125? what if the force is a 92?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Force or Merc?

If its a 1986 90hp ,it a inline 6 crossflow as the looper did not come out untill 1987 as a 3 cylinder. The Merc is your best bet ....

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Force or Merc?

If its a 1986 90hp ,it a inline 6 crossflow as the looper did not come out untill 1987 as a 3 cylinder. The Merc is your best bet ....

Faz, I bought a new rig in the '89 model year; Ranger Fisherman and 115 Merc Direct Charged. I have heard that '88 was the last year of the tower, being replaced with the 3 cyl looper. I guess my '89 registered engine was a left over from '88 production. Regardless, the boat had a 10 gallon fuel tank and seldom if ever did I need more than the tank would hold to fish or water ski. It may have been the way I had it setup but it was very fuel efficient The boat had a padded hull and that may have been part of it as it was fast. Don't know when they Direct Charged their cross flow, but I certainly liked it.

Mark

 

[79Merc80]

Re: Force or Merc?

Texasmark:

The 115 was an inline 6 thru 1988, the 90 changed to an inline 3 in 86. As far as I know, all of the inline 6's from 68/69 on with the exception of the 1250 were direct charge's.

Craig

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Force or Merc?

Texasmark:

The 115 was an inline 6 thru 1988, the 90 changed to an inline 3 in 86. As far as I know, all of the inline 6's from 68/69 on with the exception of the 1250 were direct charge's.

Craig

Thanks. It's been a long time since '89 when I bought that boat. I only paid $12,500 for this new rig, Ranger boat, Ranger Trail trailer, Minn Kota TM, 3 batteries, and the 115 Merc with PTT and SS prop. It may have been left over from the year before as it was a "Fisherman" and all the big guns had to have a BB.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Force or Merc?

no opinions on my question?

 

[F_R]

Re: Force or Merc?

Golly, I thought we had bad-mouthed the Force about all we could say.

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: Force or Merc?

point taken........the Force was attaced to a Bayliner, so not my first choice. Thanks for all the replies. I'm still looking and wondering how I can blow my tax return the best!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Force or Merc?

Force engines were made by Chrysler and other early on and in 1994 were bought and produced by Mercury...usually forces from then on were Mercs from year before or basic models of the mercs.....'92 is NOT a good year for Force.

West Bend motors was purchased by Chrysler in 65, Became Force circa 85 were under the Merc umbrella circa 95 96?
Some Forces acquired Merc legs But powerheads were allways Force.I believe 99 was the last year for Force. Soon after Merc anounced no further Force parts support by Merc.ie: only those parts still in the system.