Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

[TerryMSU]

Looking at 2 boats. Both are sea nymph bass boats. One is a 1988 16 ft with a 30HP evenrude of the same age for $2000 from a private individual. The other is a 1987 15ft (same style) with a 35HP Force of the same vintage from a dealer for $2995. I have not had any experience with the Force motors, but I had an older Chrysler that was not the best experience due to it being an orphan. Are there going to be similar issues with the Force. I know that they are owned by Mercury now. Also, is this likely to be Chrysler design or a Force design? Any advice? If this is in the wrong area, sorry, please point me to where it should go.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/651078362.html

http://lansing.craigslist.org/boa/653394263.html

Thanks,
Terry

 

[Williaaz]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

I think you will have the same issues with the Force as you had with the Chrysler and I would go with the Evinrude. For HP was rated from the top of the motor so the Evinrude will likely out perform it. I had a 85HP Force two year ago and my mechanic was having issues with parts then. Just my opinion but I would stay away from the Force.

 

[roadrunnr]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

I believe Mercury acquired Force in late 1989 or early 1990 and stopped production somewhere around 1999. Someone else may know the exact timeline here. Anyway, a 1987 will be closer to Chrysler design. Chrysler/Force were always considered more entry level outboards that are simple to work on. Problem is going to be parts, since merc stopped production almost 10 years ago. You can still get most of the common maintenance parts through a Mercury dealer, but some parts are hard to find and you will have to resort to Ebay and hope they are listed there. Those of us that have owned Force for years are getting by this way but I wouldn't buy a boat with and outboard or i/o package that is no longer in production unless it was a great deal that you couldn't pass up!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

There is a reason you rarely see a force and you see a million Evinrudes,no brainer, get he Rude.
You have to think about parts too,you can get parts for the Rude at Napa, they don't make the Force anymore which means everyday parts are harder to find.
Like I said, no brainer.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

Rude!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

Agree! Run from the Force!! get the Rude!!

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

Always make sure the Force is not with you when you go boating.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

Well it seems to be unanimous. I thought that at least one person would be in favor of the Force.

Thanks for all the input, I will NOT be getting the Force.

Terry

 

[DavidD]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

Get the force! Just think you can spend all your free time tracking down parts to keep it running and your bound to make new friends when someone stops to tow you in!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

Always make sure the Force is not with you when you go boating.

LOL!....catch the fish Luke........use the power of the Force....

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

LOL!....catch the fish Luke........use the power of the Force....

But...but...Yoda...the Force will not start. I have tried many times.

Luke, there is no try...there is only do. Change the impeller you must.

 

[DavidD]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

But...but...Yoda...the Force will not start. I have tried many times.

Luke, there is no try...there is only do. Change the impeller you must.

Master Yoda, Bought the Rude you should have.As the Force is the same color as your father and of the dark side....

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

Dudes, got a 'Rude.

Last night, my wife and I took a drive around a nearby waterfront looking for a used aluminum bass boat. SCORE! I found a 1990 Lowe 150 package with a 40HP VRO Evinrude. Runs great, good compression, welded all aluminum construction (meaning no chance of rot). Will need seats replaced. No trolling motor, so I will be looking for a bow mount troller. He wanted $2875 which I could have handled, but I offered $2500 and he bit without much thought. Picking it up today and will post pictures as soon as they are available.

Terry

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Used boat with Force vs. Evenrude

Fair dinkum, mate. (Oh, wait, I'm not from Australia)....

Good deal.