Force Reliability Compared to Others

[hahnb13]

Generally, what is your opinion of Force engines. Specificially, I am looking a buying a 1997 Maxim boat with a 120hp Force. I know it is hard to know how well it was maintained, but if it runs/tests well, can I expect this engine to be reliable if I maintain correctly?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Force Reliability Compared to Others

force had problems with the elctronics/ ignitions. and also problems with their tilt & trim units. pass this one by if at all possible. also factor in the fact that their are no force dealers and they are no longer in production make it an even more of a problem finding parts and / or service.<br /><br />when you come up with an offer or a price, do so as if the boat has no motor at all, since the motor is essentially worthless.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Force Reliability Compared to Others

Ouch!

 

[luvsfishing]

Re: Force Reliability Compared to Others

Which parts are hard to find? I have a 1987 50 HP Force and I have been able to find what I need for it. There are some aftermarlet places making parts. I am not sure it is appropriate for me to mention the suppliers' names in this forum, but if I get get an OK from the moderator, I will post what I know about where to get parts.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Force Reliability Compared to Others

One source for Force parts is fairwindsmarina.com. They claim to have all the parts on hand and in stock.<br /><br />You'll have problems getting folks to work on your Force outboard, if you take this boat, but the parts are available.

 

[NMplayer]

Re: Force Reliability Compared to Others

I see it like this<br /><br />Force=Worthless in money<br />You have to work on it, wrenches won' touch it<br />Parts are a little difficult to get, but it can be done<br />You'll have a hard time selling a boat with a Force on it.<br /><br />All that being said, if I found one for the right money that was in good shape I'd buy it BECAUSE I am the type who can learn to fix what I don't know how to fix, and I'll keep after a problem until I get it resolved (This is not a great character trait, it is more of a financial have to) I still see a lot of Force motors on the water.

 

[susan61]

Re: Force Reliability Compared to Others

Ran my 40 HP Force/Merc for seven years before selling the boat. never failed to instantly start and ran perfectly. Noisey and dirty running engine however if maintained a Force will give years of service. Any outboard not taken care of will lead to problems so...........

 

[rosco_59]

Re: Force Reliability Compared to Others

I have an 1987-85hp firce which taken to the lake has run very well and not given me a problem. I feel if taken care of any motor will run well.

 

[swist]

Re: Force Reliability Compared to Others

While not known as the greatest engines ever built, they do have design simplicity which means fewer things to go wrong so it may wash out....

 

[dtherrien]

Re: Force Reliability Compared to Others

I had 86 125 that ran flawlessly for the 5 years that i had it.As long as it was maintained and you keep it maintained they will last for many years.I bought this boat and motor off the st.lawrence river in NY and at the marina were it was kept,the mechanic there...who ive known my whole life...there as goog as any motor,just keepum out of the thick weeds!