Pros.
Easy & cheap to maintain if you can do it yourself. Can be expensive if you need to take it to the shop for repairs.
Cheap to purchase.
Less things to go wrong as the design is very basic.
Cons
Not as economical on fuel as the newer engines.
Need to premix oil with fuel.
Noisy.
Some parts can be hard to find or are no longer available.
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If you can get it at the right price and you are prepared to learn how to maintain it you will be happy.
Get a mechanic to give it a good once over before you purchase it. Then you will be able to make an informed decision.
I have owned one for a couple of years. Initially I was disappointed with my decision to purchase it when I realized it as older technology. I have worked on cars but boat motors had me worried. After getting a workshop manual & reading this forum I?ve come to enjoy working on & owning a Force outboard. They are really only glorified lawn motor engines. I had the first couple of services done by a local marine mechanic who sold & worked on Force engines for years. This helped iron out some minor problem in the beginning but I now feel confident to work on the motor with the help of people on this forum when I need more information.
I have a 1991 trophy 2002 with a 120hp force. I have no problms with it. But like everyone says maintance is the key. But that is the same for any motor.
I find the the 120 is a bit nder power on my boat with a full load of kids (4)and the admiral. You may want to go for a boat with more HP. But the fuel useage with this motor is resonable. I would recommend puting trim tabs on it is you buy it. It help's getting on plane when you are a bit overloaded.
The other thing that is nice, you can get almost any part you want used drt cheap of ebay if needed.
IMO, a mercury force is not as good an engine as a USMarine or Chrsyler. Mercury cut a lot of corners and made some engineering modifications without fully thinking them through. If you are looking for an engine that you can just ignore and abuse until it dies then a Mercury Force is probably not such a good choice. If you are looking for an engine that the local Marina will keep in tip-top shape then Force isn't such a good choice either. Most marina's will charge you full price and then give your engine to their least qualified mechanic. If you are looking for value and are yourself a good mechanic then Force is the best engine made.
I have a 99 75hp mercury force and it is running just fine. I will say it seems to use quite a bit of gas and is a bit on the loud side but it starts everytime and runs fast down the lake.
I have had Forces for 22 years.I just bought another used boat with twin Forces.I'd buy Force anytime.
Easy to maintain.Not as good on gas but no $1000 computer to screw up.
Parts can be found all over.E-bay ,this site and others.
Check compression/spark.If it's close on all cylinders go for it.J
