1998 Astro with 120 Force motor

[Geo2008]

Hey Folks

New guy to the forum and to boat ownership, but am hoping to find some guidance and friendly suggestions.

I am contemplating a 1998 Astro bass boat with 120 Force motor and the price is $5000.

I like the boat but the Force motor is causing me to be a bit squirmish about the deal. Are my fears about the 1998 Force 120 well founded or is it a descent reliable dependable motor?

What should I do?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1998 Astro with 120 Force motor

That price sounds a bit steep especially with that motor. From what I've read on here it would seem that Force motors aren't that much less reliable than any other when properly maintained. However, the parts are becoming scarce and if you aren't going to work on it yourself, you may have a VERY hard time finding a mechanic who will for you.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1998 Astro with 120 Force motor

there are some happy people with Force motors. but they are rare. they bought them new and properly maintained them. they force as and entry level motor, simple motor, got a bad rap because of bad owners. yes US Marine dropped the line, so it may be hard to get full support. when i come across a boat with an older Force, i ususally part it out. as i can get more for parts, than a complete motor.

 

[Ride The Lightning]

Re: 1998 Astro with 120 Force motor

Force motors are very tough motors with not much of electronic, so they are not very vulnerable to that. They are very aggressive during acceleration.
Often they are called traction engine because of their simple construction and their loudness.
I had a 1998 50HP Force Motor for more than a year and was happy

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: 1998 Astro with 120 Force motor

Price does seem a little high but dont let the FORCE scare you off. I have one and can do all the engine work on it myself. They are easy and parts are still easy to come buy. Right here on iboats sells alot of them. But just like any motor it needs to be taken care of. I like my force and its been a great motor for many years.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 1998 Astro with 120 Force motor

I'm new at getting back into boating myself but the Force 90hp I have on my boat worked great last summer. I think I had about 30-ish trouble free trips out of it....no complaints on Force products. (That said, I think it is a very good idea to fully avoid the infamous L-drive stuff).
I believe, as most Forum members here will probably tell you, it has more to do with good ownership and maintenance history and practice rather than a specific brand.
I think, according to some of the excellent people available in the Force forum (Frank C, RR, etc) that the slightly older Forces (late 80-s, early 90's) are a better bet for reliability than the ones that became converted Mercs. I'm no expert...best to query those guys on what you have tho'.
As for parts, check out Ebay and try a search for Force...lots of stuff available there...probably enough to keep you going and then some for quite a while.
As for the Astro Bass boat....no idea, again I'm not up on those myself.
Keep us posted...and good luck.
BP

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1998 Astro with 120 Force motor

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.

A 30 year old boat motor combo, may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[Dave K.]

Re: 1998 Astro with 120 Force motor

don't let the force motor scare you off. if anything, that seems a bit pricy for that particular set up.
The main thing is to buy what you want & for the reason you want it. And, like anything else, if it was well taken care of, keep taking care of it.
my 2 cents...

 

[rndn]

Re: 1998 Astro with 120 Force motor

Welcome to the forum.