Good morning Gentlemen,<br />I just have a quick question. I currently have a 1988 85HP Force on my 1988 18 VIP center console and it has been giving me problems this season. Sometimes it runs great, other times it will not accelerate over 10 MPH. The Force is a problem as it is no longer being manufactured so parts are really expensive and most are simply not available new. Most repair shops will not touch the non Mercury Forces as well. With that being said, I have run across a used 1974 Mercury 850 that was recently rebuilt and is in great running condition. Will I have the same problem getting parts for a 74 mercury? The Force propels my VIP at around 30 MPH when it is running right, can I expect the same from the Mercury? Lastly, will my universal (off the shelf at West Marine) controls work with the Mercury? Thanks in advance for the help.
