[waltherbey]

First let me start by saying that I don't know a thing about motors. Now that my ignorance of the topic is clear let me get to the point. I looked at a 2000 bayliner 1600 with a 90 hp force as a possible first boat for my family. It looks like the force motors stopped in 99'. What gives? Is this motor possibly an older model?Is this a decent (motor/boat) combo for $6000? Is there anything special I should look for when I go back?Thanks for any suggestions.

[JB]

Outboard Non-repair topic.

[22trophy]

I also bought my 2000 model year, 22' trophy with a 1999 Force 120hp. Bayliner sold a bunch of boats this way.I've owned two Force motors, 50hp and this one. No problems, and I use mine often. 500hrs on it and it runs like new. Beware they are unfairly considered garbage motors. They have almost no value to resell. My buddy sank his 125hp Force on the bottom on the Atlantic. Two days later pulls it up sprays wd-40, AND IT RUNS LIKE NEW.

[rottenray6402]

I had the 90HP Force only it was an older model, 1990 I believe. It went bad (no compression in #2 cylinder) right after I bought it. I got it used from an older man who didn't seem real sharp so I figured he had forgotten to premix or something like that. I had it rebuilt for around $1500.00 and the next year it went bad again with the same problem. Needless to say I am not a huge fan of Force motors. However I did have a 6HP Chrysler that I used as a kicker that I never had any trouble with. I had my local Marina replace the top part of the 90 with a used 125 that I found and so far the 125 is great.

[roscoe]

Justified or not, the resale value is almost zero.If you can get the rig for a bargain price AND it is a newer 1996-1999 model motor, then go for it. If it is an older motor, forget about it. The newer models were fairly reliable. The model year should be on the motor id plate on the transom bracket.Or post the model and serial numbers here and we can let you know.Otherwise, it is like any other boat/motor.Check them out thoroughly, or pay a shop to check it out.Then take it for a half hour test drive.No test drive - NO SALE

[waltherbey]

thanks for all of the responses. Is there a recomended way to handle a test drive for a private party sale? How do I get the seller to 'lend' me the boat for the afternoon?Are there any websites that can refer me to a good shop for getting the motor checked out?

[roscoe]

Go talk to the local Mercury dealer and tell them what you want checked out. Tell them it is a pre-purchase inspection and find out how long it will take.Arrange to meet seller, go to the lake together, let him demo it for you.Then drop the boat off at the local Merc dealer on the way back from the lake. You pay for launch fees and the mechanic.Have them check out the ignition and charging system, cylinder compression readings, lower unit for water intrusion and metal chips, tilt and trim, and for any damage, hobbled backyard repairs, or anything that need attention. Have them look at the boat as a whole for any hull/transom damage.If you decide not to buy it, and the seller wants the mechanic's receipt to show other prospective buyers, then he can buy the receipt from you for what it cost.Probably will be 1-1.5 hours labor cost involved, $50-100. If you decide to buy it, pay the man and go to the shop to get the boat.Good Luck.

[waltherbey]

thanks again.great tips.

[Solittle]

NW_walt - Hold on a second - look up to the top of this page and you will see the word "search" in red. This is the iboats search engine. Go there and enter the word Force or Chrysler or Force problems for the search arguement. You can point to several sections of the site for the search to go to. Try a bunch and read away before you commit $6,000 on that rig and then decide for yourself.