new at boating (second year) need advice

[clearwatguy]

I have an 80's mfg 19 foot trihull gypsy boat and it came with a 72 evinrude 125 horse. i have had nothing but issues with this motor and have a chance to pick up a 1989 force 125 and a pair of mercury 200 20 horse kicker motors, the force runs good tilt trim work etc. the little mercs both run but one has a cracked lower end. thye want 725 for all 2 motors the force has controls and cables is this a good brand and model motor or is it more junk ill have problems with?

 

[mreinsmith]

Re: new at boating (second year) need advice

I can tell you this about the Force Motors (we have an 86 125)

We recently restored one that was a salt water motor.

It is running Great! and we are extremely happy with it.

Parts are easy to get if you need them.

but I do have one warning, Force Motors were originally a Chrylser Product and Chrylser was notorious for using cheap components during the 80's

They were then bought by Mercury to give mercury an "ecomony" brand to round out their market.

Having said that, I would still reccomentd them because at their heart they are well designed and built.

by what I've seen on eBay and other places $750 is reasonable for the Force by itself.

Hope that helps

M

 

[ezmobee]

Re: new at boating (second year) need advice

I wouldn't buy a Force unless is was extremely cheap. They were low end motors to begin with and are no longer fully supported with parts and that's only going to get worse. I'm sure regular maintenance items are easy to find but anything more major and you're looking on eBay. I don't find $725 to be extremely cheap enough. I think you'd just be going from one problem to another. Look for a '79 or newer Johnson/Evinrude.