New Boat Owner--help!

chainboater

Recruit
Joined
Jul 21, 2007
Messages
4
I am looking at used pontoons. Found one yesterday that is pretty clean for 4000.00 24ft AquaPatio with a Force 85. It has been sitting in a garage for 9 years (its a 1980) I had origonally thought that this was a good thing but now rethinking the whole dry rot situation with the motor. I have read alot of negative things on the Force today....Any comments? Should we just bite the bullet for a 4 stroke new or should we start cheap and work up?? Does anyone have anything to say positive about the Force? Thanks for any input!
 

MikDee

Banned
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Messages
4,745
Re: New Boat Owner--help!

Yes, I found the Force engines to be simple, straightforward, & less complex then some other brands to work on, and about as dependable as other outboards. The only problem is the part supply's are getting low.
 

beerfilter

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 11, 2007
Messages
305
Re: New Boat Owner--help!

Aside from the problem of parts availability,they are no different than any other brand.
Otherwise,you are just taking an engine out of mothballs.

You should check all the fuel lines,and,replace as needed,plus,check/change the lower unit lube.
Change that impeller,it has been sitting for 9 years.
Be prepared to have the carbs rebuilt,they are probably full of varnish by now.
Lube the control cables.

Check your compression.
This will give you a good baseline for determining the mechanical health of the powerhead.
If you get readings below 100 psi,or,inconsistant readings between cylinders,decarb and check again.
If your readings do not improve,you may just need a head gasket,head resurfacing,or,a rebuild.
If you are comfortable wrenching on your own vehicles,just get a FSM,and,have at it.
If you do not feel comfortable with a wrench,you will have to pay for labor costs,in addition to parts.

Then again,a repower will set you back some serious wampum,especially if you go for a brand new powerplant,plus the controls for the new engine.

Check out the engine first,or,have a certified mechanic inspect it.
If it only needs a few maintenance parts,chances are it will outlast your boating interests.;)
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: New Boat Owner--help!

I wouldn't by a boat with a Force motor.Mostly because of the parts supply.
Just compare E/J parts to Chrysler/ Force right here at Iboats.
When looking at pontoons be sure the deck is sound.Also get the biggest "logs"possible at least 22 inches in diameter nothing smaller.
Toons are not very fast and will go through some gas.But that big flat deck
lends itself to all sorts of possibilities. from a floating patio to an overnight camper.Stick with a main line motor If your thinking new the Evinrude Etec does a great job and there are 2 or 3 pontoon tests on their site.
 

chainboater

Recruit
Joined
Jul 21, 2007
Messages
4
Re: New Boat Owner--help!

Thanks alot for the help everybody!:) Anybody have any other input? Do you think 4000.00 is too much to pay?
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: New Boat Owner--help!

For a boat that old with that motor I would say 4000 is WAY too much. $2000 wouldn't be too bad but even for that I'd want to see the motor run.
 
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