I am considering buying a boat from a friend and would like to get opinions on the engine. It is a 120 hp Force, I think it's a 1998. It is on an older Ranger and I have fished with him for several years with this boat. It has been a very dependable engine for him. It runs great and is a great match for the boat. I would buy the boat without hesitation if it had a Mercury or Yamaha engine. The Force engine is the only question for me.

I am told that parts are available now, but I wonder about 10 or 15 years from now. I plan to keep this boat for many years if I buy it. On the other hand, I don't know if parts will be available for Johnson or Mercury or any thing else in 10 or 15 years.

I would like to know: would you buy a Force engine if you planned on keeping it for a long time?

Thanks for you opinions

Terry

I wouldn't...
unless the boat is a steal and you could upgrade the motor soon..
I know you have fished the boat but a 120 Force is really about a 100 HP..

Simple motors and parts are available from mercury dealers and aftermarket. Easy to work on.

About as basic as they get, the 1998 is not a year to be afraid of, merc lower units, carbs, etc. Not ever going to be mistaken for a performance motor, and not a good motor for saltwater, but they are easy to work on.

Thanks for your answers. The owner understands that the engine has much less value than a Mercury and has priced his boat accordingly. I think I could live with it. I recently retired and am just not in that much of a hurry to get anyplace in a boat. I mostly fish Millwood and I don't need to go 60 mph. I'm much more interested in dependability than speed. This motor will push the boat as fast as I care to go.

Once again, thanks for your replies.

Terry

One of the best motors I ever had was a 120 Force 3yrs not a bit of trouble,(only thing I ever did to it was drop lower unit to check impeller) but over the yrs Ive learned the more ya use a boat the less trouble ya have. The story I heard on these motors is if still runnin after 5yrs will run forever,and hp over rated 120 more like a 100

if u get it just be mindful of the wires coming from the power packs and trigger, very small wire, and break real easy causing intermittent problems that will drive you abeshidt. if u ever lose fire, check those dinky little wire connectors and the wires themselves before you replace anything. I dont know what they were thinking when they decided to use telephone wire on a friggin outboard motor. the little steel connectors that are covered with the black heat shrink tubing will break inside and u wont know it, best to cut them all off and put some good stainless steel fork connectors on the wires.