US Marine Force 50 (thoughts)

[NFA]

Hey everyone, a buddy of mine is looking at this engine...

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/boa/2994243771.html

Currently, he's got a 15hp on the back of his 16' fibreglass closed hull boat. Obviously he's looking for a bit more power. I don't know much about this particular engine, but I have had a Force in the past, and needless to say, I'm glad I've since upgraded. However, with this engine, what are some of the things my buddy should enquire about, ask, get clarification on, etc? Basically, we need know the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I know all about the test drives, seeing it running, etc. We're more concerned about any issues this engine may have had, things to look at, etc etc.

Thanks a lot everyone, I love this site, so much great information on it.






SSS

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: US Marine Force 50 (thoughts)

Good engine,looks like an 88 model.
Check the compression/spark and the gear oil.
The price is up to you.
If it's been in salt water,not sure I'd pay that much.
Not a race engine but if taken care of it will last a LONG time.J

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: US Marine Force 50 (thoughts)

whats the model #. looks strikengly simmilar to mine. ony thing i see different is the cowl cover. the engine looks very simmilar. mine is a force us marine 50 1989 model 507y9b. any Q's i can try and help. mine runs real good still.

ok i do see one difference. the coils on yours is black with the terminal on top. mine is blue prestolite coils with side terminal block. other than that everything looks the same. props are cheap enough. michigan match $139.00ish new. i just got one on ebay for $40 shipped new. theres alot of parts on ebay new and used but the only drawback is some parts are obsolete.

 

[NFA]

Re: US Marine Force 50 (thoughts)

Thanks Cat, I believe he's still mulling it over. What size / length of boat do you have yours on? His boat is a 16' fibrglass. I'm just curious because of the weight of the engine, and I wonder if the transom would need to be beefed up at all or not? I'm guessing this engine isn't too heavy, but you can never be too careful.

What type of maintenance have you had done to it since you've had it? Anything we should be looking at, questionning?

Thanks again;




SSS

 

[sea unt]

Re: US Marine Force 50 (thoughts)

Thanks Cat, I believe he's still mulling it over. What size / length of boat do you have yours on? His boat is a 16' fibrglass. I'm just curious because of the weight of the engine, and I wonder if the transom would need to be beefed up at all or not? I'm guessing this engine isn't too heavy, but you can never be too careful.

What type of maintenance have you had done to it since you've had it? Anything we should be looking at, questionning?

Thanks again;




SSS

I have an 88 and it weighed 187 pounds before I put a trim unit on it. With trim around 220 or so. I liked it so much I sold the boat and kept the motor for the new boat. The old boat was a 16 ft sunray(fiberglass) I found it to be under powered. I got an aluminum and she flies now. Just check the rating on the hp for the boat. Should be on the plate found somewhere near the transom. If it doesn't have one then I don't know what to tell you. My transom was 2 inches thick and seemed to hold up fine and the boat was smaller than the boat you are talking about. The rating was 75 hp. You shouldn't have an issue unless the boat is homemade LOL. They are good motors and by far the easiest to work on.

 

[tater76]

Re: US Marine Force 50 (thoughts)

The 50hp force is WAY underpowered for a 16ft closed bow glass boat. The 55hp in my avatar barely pushed the 16ft boat more than 17-20mph with a tail wind. I have a 75hp force on it now that pushes a solid 32 mph, but thats the max hp my boat can take. For fishing.... an absolute YES on the 50. For cruising or pulling skiers... NO. Great little engine though.

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: US Marine Force 50 (thoughts)

ya i got to agree with tater on the power issue. mine is on a 17' fish and ski. spectrum 1700 98 model. it does lucky to hit 25-29 mph. i use it for fishing and just crusing. it would pull a skier but it aint no racer. there easy enough to work on. ive replaced a cdi mod on mine (i shorted something and fried it my fault) ive changed my impellor a couple times. easy enough. i replaced the head gasket $20-$25, thermoswitch, and a coil. some of the parts are obsolete but most i found on good ol ebay. got a tricke in my exaust chest cover now. got gaskets in mail today from ebay. $15 for both shipoped still in the quicksilver packages. thats who makes most of the parts that are still available. props are cheap. $140 for new michigan matches. i got a new one off ebay this spring for $40 shipped. $25 and ship was $15. the coil i got for $25 the thermoswitch $14 the cdi $82.

my boat is all aluminum double console walk thru. two batteries. it will hit right at 30mph with just me and low fuel. i have 20 gallon tank. full with me. 280 and cousin 230 it ran 23 last week no sweat. thats with a 11 1/2 pitch. im pawning over going wit a 10 pitch to see if i can get a tick more out of it. 35 would make me happy as a lark but 24-25 gets me to the fishing hole. my boat is rated for up to 85 hp. so i kind of got the v6 model in truck thinking. but i have a troller 2 batteries livewells ect. my boat is pretty heavy.