What's a "Force"?

[hibbert6]

OK, guys, please forgive my dumb question, but... What is a "Force" outboard? Haven't seen them here in California, but saw one on an Arizona boat for sale. Are they "upscale" or "Downscale" from a Mercury? Or are all ouboards pretty much the same?

If you're aware of any "Force" dealers and/or mechanics in California, I'd sure like to know.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[hibbert6]

Re: What's a "Force"?

Just found a lot of answers to my own questions!

http://www.boatmotors.com/outboard/force/

Any other input is still welcome!

Dave

 

[RRitt]

Re: What's a "Force"?

that's a good summary except for the one line "The Force Outboard brand quickly benefited from the resources of its big brother Mercury, and all production was soon moved to Mercury's plants."

The engines made in Chrysler plants were significantly more reliable than the ones made by Brunswick/Mercury.

 

[rudedude]

Re: What's a "Force"?

I was a happy camper when I found out my 125 wasen't touched by Mercury. Not sure about california( wont go near the place) but there a lot in Washington and Oregon.

 

[zoe'sdad]

Re: What's a "Force"?

There is a boat dealership in Lancaster that still has a Force sign on his building. It is on Sierra Highway between Avenues M and L. I do not remember the name of the dealership. I bought my boat new in 2000 and had a '96 Force motor new out of the box installed instead of a 2000 Merc. Saved $2500 and have had no problems with it. You may be able to find an unsold one at a savings. Unless you are using the boat in saltwater or on a river you may want to check with the lake you boat on to see if older 2-strokes are still allowed. If any state enforces the 2006 EPA rules it will be California.

 

[rudedude]

Re: What's a "Force"?

CAILFORNIA inforces any thing they think will get them more money to waste.


Isnt the place your talking about near old hwy 99?

Been a long time for me to remember

 

[zoe'sdad]

Re: What's a "Force"?

Highway 99 doesn't sound familiar. Sierra Highway is the old State Route 14 but is now signed US 6. Other highway that crosses the area is the 138 or Pearblossom Highway running from Victorville through Palmdale / Lancaster and up to Gorman. Sierra Highway runs from Santa Clarita to Rosemond parralleling the Antelope Valley Freeway. The shop I'm talking about is about a mile and a half north of Lockheed.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What's a "Force"?

F O R C E ---Fix Or Repair Constantly and Expensively! Nah! just kidding. I'm a fan as long as they are pre-1990. They are relatively inexpensive and relatively inexpensive to repair should something happen.

 

[rudedude]

Re: What's a "Force"?

There cost was a large factor in Bayliners reason to use them on there boats. Made it possable to lower the selling price so they could sell more boats.

I agree with Frank about pre 90 Force motors, you take care of them and it will serve you well. All the hate mail on Force is (most of the time ) after 1990, Mercury got there mitts on them and used cheep parts to "upgrade" them , I had a 35HP Chrysler and the only trouble I had with it was I had no idea how to maintain it ,thus it liked to flatten the plugs on one cylender.

Hwy 99 ran very close to Lancaster, was the main route back when I was running in California, I do mean running. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH the old Harley Days.

 

[rudedude]

Re: What's a "Force"?

hibbert, try these people Karen Bell <aomresp@yahoo.com They are just outside Sacramento in Auburn Ca. They might help you or know a place that has Force. I know they have Force parts.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: What's a "Force"?

ANY motor only as good as the owner who maintained it

 

[rudedude]

Re: What's a "Force"?

It was my first boat scaaty, cut me some slack LOL

I ran the fire out of that motor, I was in my early 20s and had just returned from Nam,I didnt care about makeing it last just how fast I could go Now I look back and think how tuff that motor was.

 

[eedwards]

Re: What's a "Force"?

Force is the remnants of a great company of the past.
Much like the ruins in Rome are a remnant of a once great society

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: What's a "Force"?

ANY motor only as good as the owner who maintained it

I definitely agree with this Scaaty....same goes for the actual boat the motor is mounted on.
Its interesting how little this comes into play when a boat/motor is targeted for purchase. It seems that in most cases the buyer is focused on the brand(s) rather than the history and upkeep.
It obviously has a huge impact on the reliability and thus enjoyment of the boat. It definitely needs to be one of the first things you look for...condition and history....not discounting (of course) the type of boat and motor.

 

[ship5182]

Re: What's a "Force"?

I am very pleased with my 1989 Force 150. Check the thread "should i buy force" it has some very good info in the replies.

 

[1730V]

Re: What's a "Force"?

Maintained well, they're fine. Old technology but works. They run a little dirty so decarbing them is a must.

See the decarb thread in the engine FAQ's.

As long as the compression is good, they're serviceable.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: What's a "Force"?

To be honest I didn't know that much about them up until when I bought mine this spring. A 1990/90hp with a reasonably good history. The compression was good.
I just completed my 30th trouble free outing in it last weekend. It's ran great although I think its probably due for plugs according to some of the info in these threads. I think the hours on the motor at this point are around 300-ish.
I will ensure that it gets a proper winterization process and in the mean time I've picked up a couple of spare parts for it off of Ebay.
Frank and RR's info on them regarding of when they went into decline under Mercury's mandate was extremely interesting and eye opening...made me glad I had a 90' and not a 95' or newere.
At this point, I'm a contented Force owner and support...I've nothing to complain about. Hopefully with the informed group supporting this Force section that will continue.