Motor Question- Force by Mercery 120hr

[HammerinHonkers]

I am looking at a boat right now to buy. The motor is a Force by Mercury 120HR. I have heard that the force motors were pieces of crap, and was wondering if anyone has a boat with a Force by Mercury on it. I have heard that when Merc bought them the quality went up substancially. Just wondering what you guys think about the brand. I believe the motor is a 96' Thanks
HH

[croation2]

Originally Posted by HammerinHonkers

I am looking at a boat right now to buy. The motor is a Force by Mercery 120HR. I have heard that the force motors were pieces of crap, and was wondering if anyone has a boat with a Force by Mercery on it. I have heard that when Merc bought them the quality went up substancially. Just wondering what you guys think about the brand. Thanks
HH

Hate to be negative guy or a deal breaker, but a know a guy that bought one that was just a year old, with low hours, I'm pretty sure he is still working on getting it running. 15 years later! In defense of Force and Mercury, the guy was an absolute moron who holds a sign licensed by Jeff Foxworthy. (Just for the record: He is not an I-Fisher)

[fishkisser]

Pass on that one dude ...

[Road Rage]

There are more "Good" Force motors on the water than "Bad," but you don't hear as-much about the "Good." Force motors are like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're going to get.

A friend of mine had a 120 on his Trophy, and it was a great motor. Quiet runner, started every time, ran like a top.

They were built to be affordable. They are a no-frills motor, with basic mechanical technology.

I'd say if the motor has some hours on it, and has been properly maintained, you've probably found a good one.

[Gundog]

I had one mine was a 95 or 96 and it was a good motor. I owned the boat for 9 years with no problems. They are not fancy real simple design.

Mike

[KingSalmonBoy]

I have a 1997 75 hp jet that is 11 years old that is going strong. My father in law had it for 10 years and I have had it for 1. He said that some forces a bad but some are good(exactly what Road Rage said). Mine happens to be a good one so far. It is not the most economical engine (I can burn 12 gallons of gas on a walleye trip), but it is a jet.

[HammerinHonkers]

I have been doing some reading on the motors and one thing that I read made some sense. These motors were built to be economical and were advertised to the new boat owner as a good starter motor for a good starter boat. The boats were mainly bayliners. The thing is these motors need maintanence, and putting old oil or cheap oil in is where you get the head problems. New boat owner, especially first time boat owners usually dont to the required maintanence and then cry when something goes wrong. Yeah these motors are cheaper motors but the main problems and real bad rap could be because the majority of the owners were not taking care of them. That is how you get the good ones and the bad ones, some have always had good owners, some have not. I still dont know what I am going to do about this boat, the boat looks great but the motors gives me some reserve. Tough call. Thanks, keep the opinions coming.
HH

[croation2]

I want to be the best I can be, when on the water. I want to show my friends and family a good time, and I don't intentionally bother someone else. Breakdowns don't go along with this plan. I know I can get towed, but that wouldn't be a great day for any of the people involved.

I know we all have to stick to some kind a budget, but I would keep the above in mind. If you only fish a few miles from home, and/or you have a kicker, maybe it's a great deal.

I wouldn't mind being broke down on the way to work, but I hate being broke down during my enjoyment/relaxation time!

[HammerinHonkers]

Passed on the boat, just could not buy something I was waiting to have break down on me. Thanks for the tips guys.
HH