is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

[carpaediem123]

I am shopping for a pontoon boat. I have found a CLEAN package that is powered by a 1995, FORCE, 70 hp, 3 cylinder, 2 stroke motor. Visually, it is as clean as a whistle. Is this a good outboard? Or should I stick with a name I am more familiar with? Johnson, Evinrude, Mercury, etc. PLEASE give me your opinion!

 

[ne7800]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

i have no experiance with them but i have always herd that they are named force because you would have to force most people to take one. that being said the same could be said about any motor it all depends on who you ask i would ask for a test drive if you think it runs good then go for it

 

[carpaediem123]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

I thank you NE7800 for your reply. NY ONE ELSE? I REALLY want all the feedback I can get here!

 

[evinice66]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

i have heard they are a lil finicy but as long as you maintain them there good, my freind has a 85 hp year, dont know but it hasnt had a carb clean or any maintenece in 3 years, sometimes itll be hard to start but it always deos....

 

[DJ]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

They are old technology but fully functional.

They do require a little more maintenance, particularly regular decarbing. (read decarb thread in FAQ's). That 's actually a good idea with any 2-stroke.

The later models, like the '95' you are looking at incorporated many Merc. parts which made parts availability a lot better. Reliability too.

If you take care of it, it will do fine for you.

 

[wayne h]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

they dont like to be over heated this really seems to be the biggest problem with them .. just do regular general maintenance and u will be fine . might want to pull a compression test before buying it and taking it out for a test ride

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

There are several guys in the Force forum who can give you some excellent info and background on these motors including Frank Acampora, RRitt and Roscoe. They can help shed some reality on these motors from an overall perspective.
Personally, here is my experience. I bought a used Bayliner/Force in early 2007 (two summers ago). It had something around 250+ hours on it. Since I've owned it I've fueled it and maintained it including an impeller change (not due to overheating, just a good pre-emptive idea). Nothing else. It has never failed to start and run extremely well. We have now had it out something like 60-70 times (fresh water lake trips) without incident.
I now have a huge amount of confidence in this motor. It has been nothing but reliable. Perhaps it will blow at any minute...but it hasn't shown those colors to me at all.
That said, avoid L-drives and maintain these motors. I assume their bad rap comes from an unforgiving nature towards poor maintenance.
My two bits.
BP

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

My 50 hourse has been good. Only once has it let me down and i think it was due to age. Keep up on matnance and you should be fine. Note resale value seems lower with the Force Engine.

 

[199675hpforce]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

1996 and newer would be the better force merc engine. Some are better than others. Is the force better than say a 96 merc,johnson,yammi,honda,nissan,suki, i say no. Is the force better than many other outboards on the water heck yes. Dont worry about resale my boat books for $4500 im asking $14,700 lol. Would i purchase a brand new 90hp force if i could yes i would id go $2500 for one. There's exceptions for every rule when it comes to boats FYI even a used 2008 honda could have problems. Dang i also wanted to mention ive been thinking about repowering but the expense and weight yes weight of the newer 4strokes stoped me. My boat goes 30mph now if i put 90hp suki it might just go the same speed plus the back of boat would sit lower. My force is light for its power 230 pounds. My transom should be in great shape with this small setup thats one reason i bought this boat used.

 

[Beefer]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

I have a 1994 70HP Force, so it's basically the identical motor. In all honesty, I've only had the boat for a little over a month, but it's been great so far, after about 30 hours of use. When I first got it, it needed a new starter, and I replaced the spark plugs (go to Napa Auto, they have them for <$2). At 14 years old, and having not been used for a year before I got it, I think it's a good engine.

 

[azlakes]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

I am shopping for a pontoon boat. I have found a CLEAN package that is powered by a 1995, FORCE, 70 hp, 3 cylinder, 2 stroke motor. Visually, it is as clean as a whistle. Is this a good outboard? Or should I stick with a name I am more familiar with? Johnson, Evinrude, Mercury, etc. PLEASE give me your opinion!

... that toon does look clean and hopefully priced right for you. my Force has treated me well. keep up the maint. anyhow here are a couple threads that have some comments specific to your generation of Force. these comments are from the people that are mentioned as gurus to the brand

may the Force be with you

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=220620&highlight=reliable

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=185085&highlight=reliable

 

[RRitt]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

The follwing expresses my opinion which may or may not be an accurate assessment. Take it with the same level of confidence that you would from the random stranger standing at the boat launch drinking his 10th or 12th budweiser and commenting on every boat being loaded/unloaded.


Force has two self destruct features added to the engines by Mercury engineers in 1992. Post 1992 Force engines also boast many updated parts that feature significantly higher prices without actually working any better than the old part. Pre-1992 engines tended to last forever with less than $100 per year of routine maintenance. In general pre-1992 engines were designed with the 1960's engineering mentality where the best machines were the ones that cost the least to maintain and never broke. Post 1992 engines were designed with a more modern view of engineering where post sale maintenance and parts are viewed as a significant revenue opportunity.

1). 1992-2000 The reed valves were changed from metal to composite. The composite material can crack with cold sneezing. Cracked reeds can cause the engine to run hot and without enough oil. This can lead to powerhead failure. Composite reeds give better power and performance but need to be inspected regularly to prevent the powerhead self-destruct.

2). 1992-1995 Mercury tried to implement a universal stator in the early 1990's. The intent was to have a single stator that fit all engines Force, mariner, Mercury, etc. Unfortunately the early design has a record of self-destructing after so many hours of use. Sometime around 1995 they came out with a new model that fixed this.

3). 1992-1995 Honorable mention also goes to mercury trim system fluid. ATF is almost a full 0.10 cheaper than hydraulic oil. It cuts lifespan of system by about 30% but that's okay because the trim system will still easily outlast Mercury's warranty. If your trim fluid is red then expect 15 years or so. If the trim fluid is tan then expect 20 years or so. It doesn't matter how nice the system looks or how many hours of use the boat has. Trim systems stop working when the internal rubber deteriorates from age.

bottom line?

pre-1992. if previous owner cared for engines then they will keep running forever. Most parts available from NAPA, Grainger, WalMart, or industrial supply. But probably due for trim pump repairs regardless of previous owner. Chrysler & USMarine used oil & system failure is in 17-23 year window regardless of use. Rams are good for 30+ if no water in system. Not a cheap repair. You might be better off with wood blocks and ropes. I won't be rebuilding them after this year and I have never seen anyone else who does. So you're looking at possibility of $300 pump and/or $250 motor. Pump and motor usually both fail within a year or two of each other.

1992-1995
self destructing powerheads and stators. put reed valves into routine maintenance rotation and there is no problem. Ask owner about stator. If original then possible negotiating point. New stators are cheap if you know where to look. Trim system due for complete failure in the 13-17 year window. Piston oring eventually crumbles from exposure to ATF and the debris causes complete failure.

1995-2000
still have self destruct feature in powerhead. keep an eye on the reeds and you'll be fine.

 

[john from md]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

Pre 1992 Force engines are one of the simplest engine configurations made. If they were taken care of, they last forever with minimum cost. They are not fuel efficient but they are reliable.

I am still running a 1985 model and my Bayliner still can run at 40MPH if I want to waste the fuel. I normally cruise at my best fuel burn which is 27MPH.

Regards,

John

 

[Matthew A.]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

As with any motor...it's as reliable as one can be relied upon to perform neccessary repairs and maintenance. Perhaps I am a bit biased...but I love my Force. It is what it is.

 

[JoeCrow]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

I had a 125 that was very dependable
If cared for properly, they will give you plenty of service

 

[dst87mcssac]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

I have a 97 Model 75 HP on a 22' Pontoon. I work on the motor alot compared to my friends with the other brands and I go thru a starter every season.

I never know if the motor will start after I turn it off, but 9 time out of 10 it does. I just do not trust the motor to go too far from my friends to come tow me.

This will be my last Force Motor.

JMO

Donald

 

[RRitt]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

I have a 97 Model 75 HP on a 22' Pontoon. I work on the motor alot compared to my friends with the other brands and I go thru a starter every season.

I never know if the motor will start after I turn it off, but 9 time out of 10 it does. I just do not trust the motor to go too far from my friends to come tow me.

This will be my last Force Motor.

JMO

Donald

I think you need to find a new mechanic. It sounds like he is fixing symptoms but never getting to the base problem(s). If it isn't already too late you can get another decade out of that engine.

 

[johnbell47]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

i have heard they are a lil finicy but as long as you maintain them there good, my freind has a 85 hp year, dont know but it hasnt had a carb clean or any maintenece in 3 years, sometimes itll be hard to start but it always deos....

I bought a new 135 Chrysler in 1976, it threw a rod in 2000. That is 24 years. I wore out one lower unit about mid way through its life. This was on a 20 foot Grady pocket cruiser. We skiied from dusk to dawn and used prodigous amounts of gas. Went the intercoastal from Houston to New Orleans and back. etc. etc. I wet it down good with transmission fluid at beginning of winter. took the float bowls off and drained all of the gas. Beginning of summer I put in fresh fuel, more trans fluit and spun it over while squirting fluid in the carb intakes. Then cranked it and went. I did have one power pack go bad, so I went to straight points and coil ignition. Had to change the plugs to regular plugs, but it ran almost as good. I never, ever had any other problems with this motor. Unitll it broke a rod bolt at 6,000 rpm and scattered. I think that you'll be O.K. with the Force. Just take care of it and it will take care of you.

 

[godspede619]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

Everyone will hate this post.................Bought my first boat five years ago. 1984 Bayliner trophy w/ 125 FORCE outboard. When I purchased the boat from an old man he said the motor wouldnt start....my first bad move as a soon to be boat owner. I got it running right away(dead batteries) Now for the bad part. Ran this force for a solid year with zero maintainence. It just would not died. Id run to the nine mile bank here in san diego in search of yellows without a fear in my mind. Everything cool till a jet ski tboned the old girl and just about sank her. I loved that old force...simple mechanics.
(much more responsible about maintainence now)

 

[Cyberfly]

Re: is a Force outboard a realiable motor?? PLEASE GIVE YOUR OPINION!

I have a 15hp force and a 70hp force. Both are as dependable as any outboard I have owned, and Ive been using outboards for 45 years. I grew up in the swamps of Louisianna where you could die if your outboard quit on you. My 15 hp puts out plenty of power for the very light weight it has. The only downside is the synthetic prop, I d like to have a metal one if I could get one. The 70 hp is on a big 16' alum jon boat and it will haul butt. I very seldom run it more than 75% power and it has held up well...good luck. ron