GOOD OR BAD DEAL

9

93bronco

Ensign
Joined
Nov 11, 2001
Messages
962
HAVE BEEN BOATING FOR AWHILE BUT THIS IS IST ATTEMPT. BOUGHT A 88 BAYLINER COBRA 18.5 WITH 125 US MARINE/FORCE FOR $400. HULL IS GOOD BOAT IS COMPLETE. THREW ROD SO CASE IS NO GOOD. BUT WANT TO REBUILD. HAVE SEEN GOOD PRICES ON POWERHEADS, BUT UNABLE TO FIND JUST THE CASE. ALSO AM FAMILAR WITH THE CHRYSLER,US,FORCE &MERC LEGACY. IS THIS WORTH REBUILDING OR SHOULD I REPLACE THE WHOLE MOTOR. BOUGHT THIS FOR A PROJECT/LEARNING EXPERIENCE. AM A BACK YARD 41YR OLD FORD MECH.
 
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norman158

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 29, 2001
Messages
329
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

i think if this were mine i would replace that motor with a good running used one and run that boat till she sinks read some of the Force/Bayliner posts and you will see why i say run her till she sinks
 
M

Mike M2

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 24, 2001
Messages
98
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

Take my advise, save your money and replace that motor with something else, anything. Nothing wrong with the boat if it was cared for, some of us like Bayliners! It was just a cheap boat to buy in its day. The real problem is the Force. It's trouble now and always will be. Dont go sticking money into it, it'll only break again!
 
9

93bronco

Ensign
Joined
Nov 11, 2001
Messages
962
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

if i wanted to switch motors will all the trim and cotrols work or do they have to be replaced. this is a project to learn marine repair and would prefer to rebuild for the experience. can i get just the case and where. thanx. have been reading posts on bayliners/force from this sight for about 4 mons before i did this . lots of good info
 
C

Clay

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 20, 2001
Messages
76
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

As long as you use a mercury product , you can use the controls. Why not try to find a tired mercury and rebuild that. I think you will have a hard time finding a decent force block
 
9

93bronco

Ensign
Joined
Nov 11, 2001
Messages
962
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

cootie...thought about that, but am willing to purchase a remac powerhead if i cant find a case but am wanting to start somewhere with marine rebuilding so wouldnt it be to my benefit to start with what i got? if i can find this # i talked to a guy who rebuilds part time and he said he could probably get me a case (remac) for about $500 which to me doesnt sound to bad or does it
 
K

kevlar3000

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 20, 2001
Messages
194
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

500.00 bucks is fine til you gotta lay down another 500.00 bucks. There are a lot of good Merc inlines around that can be found for good prices. The general consensus is don't put money into it. But if the 500 is not too much of a burdon then perhaps you can afford the risk, and be up and running sooner.<br /><br />Good Luck
 
9

93bronco

Ensign
Joined
Nov 11, 2001
Messages
962
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

kevlar3000...are you saying after a rebuild if you take care of it the force will still have a tendancy to throw a rod
 
9

93bronco

Ensign
Joined
Nov 11, 2001
Messages
962
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

also if i did switch to a merc what year would be good to start with.
 
M

Mike M2

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 24, 2001
Messages
98
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

Lets see.....Recent Force repairs... 125 with a burnt piston, $1000. 85 wouldn't idle, $180 to rebiuld. Another 85 bad starter, $150 rebiult. Thats it for this year, last year i had 125 burnt piston, guy took it out twice, broke a gear in drive, i bet i pocketed over $1000 on that one. Also last year, i rebuilt a guys L drive and i was the 3rd to do it since he bought the boat 10 years ago! Some products it just doesn't matter how well you care for it....
 
K

kevlar3000

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 20, 2001
Messages
194
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

Mike M2 makes the point perfectly. If you are on a budget (under 1500.00) then you should be able to find a good running 115 to 150 78-86 Merc or OMC.(With tilt and trim). Make sure it has good compression and a good lower unit, and get it on the water if at all possible b4 purchase. I have a 78 Merc V6 150 that I got for 1500.00 from an eager seller. It has run perfect all season. If you have a bigger budget then I would surely look for something newer in the 3000.00 range. You should be able to find a lot of good engine for that money.<br /><br />To conclude the Force thought, would you rebuild the engine on a Yugo? :rolleyes:
 
P

PaulP

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 16, 2001
Messages
35
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

BRONCO,I had a 1995 Merc Force, stator $500,trim/tilt motor 300,water pump and thermostat,150,smokey,smelly.stinky,I sold it and bought a Suzuki DFI 50 and have been trouble free since. Force is the K-Mart of motors dont wast your money on it,get a good used Merc or Omc,soon enough you will be rebuilding that. Any money you put into that force will be wasted,something else on it will go.Some people like and have had good luck with Force but I did not so I am sour on them and mine was bought new and taken care of. Read the posts,look and learn, there is a lot of good help out there,good luck.
 
9

93bronco

Ensign
Joined
Nov 11, 2001
Messages
962
Re: GOOD OR BAD DEAL

kevlar/paul have been reading posts. if a mercury will bolt up to my tilt and trim what hp would be sufficient. the same or something else
 
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