Lower unit FORCE 85

[dayton2001]

I bought a boat 1989 Bayliner FORCE 85 and it is missing the lower fin, maybe the guy before me drove it down the freeway without put the motor in the up position. I dont think this will really have a big impact on how the boat runs but I wanted to ask the experts first(FRANK). I figure it will only effect how the boat handles in turns. Doesnt seem to be worth changing(money wise). Any comments???

Also, I took the lower unit off to change the impeller, But the back plate was missing in the water pump housing so I ordered another. Anyway to check and see if the lower unit is in good condition without taking it apart. I put it into forward and reverse and spun the drive shaft, seems to be ok. Any other thing I can look for. First boat so I'm still trying to learn the basics.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Lower unit FORCE 85

It's not absolutely necessary to replace the skeg. If the gearcase is not otherwise damaged or cracked, the engine will run quite nicely and you probably won't even notice the missing skeg. The prop (wash) does most of the work in turning the boat. I used an engine with no skeg for two seasons and later sold the lower unit to another guy who needed it. I gave him a good price and as far as I know, he is still using it.

If you rotate the drive shaft clockwise by hand and work the shift rod from forward to reverse, and do not hear grinding noises, Then the gears and lower unit are probably OK. True, drive dogs slipping out of engagement usually can only be observed with the engine running on the water. But checking the oil for metal particles will also give a hint to internal condition. Do not mistake the sound of the water pump impeller for grinding. Water pump impeller will make a "thup-thup-thup" sound as the drive shaft is turned by hand.