Joestr,
To check for rot, simply take an ice pick and gently prod around with it on the carpet. If it is good wood, the ice pick will feel solid, if its rotten, the ice pick will feel soft. The use of an ice pick works great on carpet because it causes no real damage to the boat. Just dont "spear" it!
As to your question on Force engines, this forum (and the engine) one is divided on the issue. Some hate them with a passion, while some are quite pleased. Basically, Force is a low end, low tech, very basic outboard. If its well taken care of and always fed new 87 octane gas, it will treat you right. If you neglect it, it will cause you misery. (Higher octane fuel will also cause problems) As far as simplicity, its really easy to tinker on. Parts are available through your local Mercury dealer. The Force line has been dropped by Mercury because it could not meet the newest EPA restrictions, but parts will be available for some time.
IF you want pages and pages of comments on Force, simply use the search engine and search for "Force" There's a ton of good informative info from both sides out there.
My opinion on your selection would be
1) Capri with the Volvo
2) 16.5 with the 125.
The 85 will not have enough grunt to pull a skiier. (I am the former owner of a 16.5 bayliner with an '87 85 hp Force)
A couple things to check before you buy:
1)Compression on all cylinders should be about 130. All cylinders should be within 10% of each other. If one is low, that may indicate internal damage or bad carbon buildup.
2) Check the oil in the lower unit. If it is milky, that indicates a leak that has let water into the gear case.
3) Last thing I like to do (and this is me personally) is pull the thermostat off the engine and look at the condition of the "inside". (on the Force is is on the top rear of the engine and has 4 screws) If the boat has been run in salt water and not thoroughly flushed afterwords then you will see pitting and oxidation inside the block.
This indicates neglect.
4) Make sure you test the boat in the water under load. Many times a boat will run great on the trailer with the muffs on, but when placed in the water, its a different animal.
Also, test it loaded as it normally would be, bring the wife and kid...but leave the dog at home
Lastly, do not hesitate to ask the owner questions. If they are hesitant about taking you out for a test ride or letting you have it looked at by a mechanic, then you'd be best to walk away.
Sorry to ramble on, but buying a boat should be a rewarding experience,
not the beginning of a nightmare.
Hope some of this helps,
Nav
Need advice on buying a used boat
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