Force L-Drive 90HP --should I do it?

massimofinance

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 30, 2004
Messages
508
Have the chance to buy a 1990 Bayliner Capri 20 footer with this setup, does not run, owner soes not know why. What should I look out for, should I run? Are these good setups. etc?<br /><br />Thanks.
 

Baldguy

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 30, 2001
Messages
174
Re: Force L-Drive 90HP --should I do it?

Well....you're gonna get a lot of responses saying to run from it and then you're gonna get a few that say you could go for it.<br /><br />I had one on a 17' Bayliner. Never gave me a problem, but I properly maintained it and it was rebuilt right before I bought it. It was definitely underpowered. Top speed was 35 mph and it was slow out of the hole.<br /><br />It's also going to be a two stroke and nowadays you're going to be more and more limited as to where you can run that boat. For ex. you can no longer run two strokes on Lake Tahoe or anywhere in the Tahoe basin. Not sure where you are, but this may be a factor for you.<br /><br />You said that it doesn't run and the owner doesn't know why. Really he doesn't? Did he forget to mix oil with fuel one time? Did he let it overheat? Did it just not start one time?<br /><br />All these questions I'd be asking before I'd buy it. L drives were only made for a couple of years. Funky design. Like I said, mine never gave me a problem. I was also told by my mechanic that most of the internal drive parts are interchangable with outboard drives.<br /><br />I'd probably pass on it if I were you...there are plenty of other boats out there to get that will probably do you better in the long run for your money.<br /><br />I hope this helps you.
 

massimofinance

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 30, 2004
Messages
508
Re: Force L-Drive 90HP --should I do it?

This does help, thanks! It is a boat yard trying to get rid of the boat, so they say they know nothing of it. It concerns me that you found it under powered on your 17 footer, and this is a 20 footer.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,859
Re: Force L-Drive 90HP --should I do it?

If you are a collector, maybe.<br /><br />If you are fooking for a boat to use, forget it.<br />Way underpowered, too many parts are no longer available anywhere.<br />Very hard to find anyone to work on it.
 

Baldguy

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 30, 2001
Messages
174
Re: Force L-Drive 90HP --should I do it?

Yeah, on a 20' boat, that is going to be a slug. <br /><br />You know, now that I think about it, the 20' Bayliner L drives had the 120 force on em. I can't imagine that it's a 90 on there.<br /><br />The boat yard doesn't know anything about it eh? Sure......they don't.<br /><br />Again...I'd pass on it.
 

TimMattson

Seaman
Joined
Nov 13, 2005
Messages
69
Re: Force L-Drive 90HP --should I do it?

Treat it like a Force OB and ignore any work on the drive unit.The Choke usually is out of adjustment when bad starting is involved.Take off the baffle and make sure the chokes all close or that the choke even does its thing.Always push in the key before hitting the starter so the choke gets full juice.Also check the fuel filter screen under the single knurled screw.The fuel pump assy can leak air thru its gaskets and cause the no start.<br /> TM
 

peacekeeper6

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 25, 2005
Messages
765
Re: Force L-Drive 90HP --should I do it?

i have a 120 on my 19 foot and it is very nice out of the whole and has been very good to me. but i maintain it regiliously. i had the problem with the choke solnoid and blew it out of proportion and bought all new carbs, and ignition system. then found the problem. all in all i like very fun. other then the steerin wheel, turns to the right.
 

imported_bjs

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 21, 2005
Messages
368
Re: Force L-Drive 90HP --should I do it?

can you work on this set up?if not stay away.
 
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