Now what????

[newbie4life]

Well, after a week of consideration, I'm thinking about getting rid of my boat, engine, and lower unit. I can't find the u-joint for my l-junk, along with the three bearings that are needed, as well as the upper housing needing to be re-milled....

What do I do with a power head from an 85hp L-drive (I think it fits other models too.... If I recall, Maxum Mama took another powerhead and bolted it to her L-drive) that literally has less than 6 hours on it?

Is an ad going to do anything in the local paper, or e-bay????? Where do I go?

 

[azlakes]

Re: Now what????

... hmm that stinks. have you tried franzmarine for your parts needed?

http://franzmarine.com/

if you register and post over at baylinerownersclub in classified, lots of folks look for parts off ol bayliners. craigslist is another option.

farewell

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Now what????

Before you completely throw in the towel Newbie...take a moment. Check out the other posting areas for Merc/Evinrude/Johnson/Yamaha etc...and spend some time in there. You will see those guys are having challenges too...not just the Force guys (despite popular opinion).
Winters coming and its a great time to start watching ebay for Force/L-drive stuff. Set up a search favourite and everyday you'll get updates on Force whatever...it will probably pay off. Keep up with the Craiglist stuff. If I knew earlier what you were looking for...wow. I came across 2-3 guys up here in the Northwest that were having a hard time getting anyone to buy their used L-drive lower units complete and ready to go.
Anywhoooooo, don't fly off the handle too soon.
My two bits
BP

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Now what????

Thanks guys.

I am just so fed up with my force junk. Getting parts is nearing impossible.

I guess I can wait it out. However, what's going to happen next summer in the middle of boating season. See, our winter's end here in WI around June 30, and start up again around July 1.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Now what????

Get rid of it. It is not the force that is the problem it is the L drive. Part it out on ebay. Boat is probably no good to anyone either because the transom will only work on the L drive.

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Now what????

Get rid of it. It is not the force that is the problem it is the L drive. Part it out on ebay. Boat is probably no good to anyone either because the transom will only work on the L drive.

This time it was the L-drive. Last time it was the engine -- And, no matter how you look at it, parts are NOT going to get easier to get.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Now what????

...well as a follow up to my previous comments, the L-drive stuff is always going to be a project and labor of love (maybe the wrong word there). Sort of like trying to get through life driving a 74' Renault.
Maybe its time to sell the whole thing to L-drive project seekers...and they are out there.
If you really liked the boat part by itself you could do what I saw with some other local disgruntled L-drive guys. They pulled and sold that L-drive stuff and sealed up the back drive hole. Then they fabricated an extended outboard mount and threw a nice 115hp+ Rude/Johnson (outboard) on the back. Looked great, like it belonged there and the boat really moved.
Just thinking out loud here for ya'.....looks like you have a decision to make.
Good Luck
BP

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Now what????

Funny you should mention that, BigPrairie.... I was just sitting in my boat, drinking a beer, wondering how difficult it would be to do just that. The more I look at it, the easier it would seem as opposed to putting the thing back together with parts that are difficult (if not impossible to find/make).

It would not be impossible to do. I've done my share of fiberglassing in the past, with good to excellent results. I have the whole winter to work on this thing. It's an option.

I appreciate the input. I still haven't decided the direction to take. I tend to beat the living fun out of a decision, until I just decide to go a certain route.

Wish I could just fast-forward to that part.