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[chumbucket]

Well, let's see. Where to begin? It was called Chrysler Outboard back in the day :P Then Force. Very cheap components were used and not very much corrosion resistance. Mercury bought the Force Outboard Motor division back around the very late '80's to early '90's. Cheap components continued to be used to offer a price point outboard to the market. It allowed dealers to offer boat, motor and trailer packages at boat shows for what seemed like an extremely good deal. Many a glassy eyed boat show attendee would unassumingly sign on the dotted line not knowing what they were getting themselves into. With all the problems, repairs and replacements, they could have bought a better package from the start.
In my opinion, (for what that's worth ???)only buy a boat with a Force motor for the right price with the intention that it'll need to be replaced in the very near future. This is in now way meant to badmouth Mercury Marine motors. Only the Force motors. Unless you can buy it right, keep looking.

[Mac_Attack]

Thanks Chumbucket. On that same site they have a V20 with Mercruiser 170 HP IO any downfalls you know of with the IOs. Bill Mc

[Brian_M]

Hello,

I have a straight 6 GM engine 165 hp I/O. The boat is a '76, original engine and outdrive. So far so good with the set up although some Mercruiser parts for the drive and associated hardware are difficult but not impossible to get.

Mercruiser has a system of upgrades they recommend when a specific part is obsolete. Good news is there is a support system and most everything can be fixed, Bad news is cost. I replaced the shift cut out switch and needed to replace the hydraulic manifold plate and trim/tilt assy to "upgrade" the switch. Very nice set up when all done, but really didn't want to get that far into the system. I'll post some photos of the boat soon...

[chumbucket]

Don't get me started on I/O's. ;D Actually, many people prefer them and also have very good luck with them. They're just not my first preference. Been there/done that.
As Brian_M stated, and depending on the vintage of the drive, there are pitfalls. But, with Mercruiser, nothings totally dead. Can usually be repaired or upgraded with some ease. Best to shoot for a Merc Alpha drive if possible. Abundant parts availabilty. It's the pre-Alpha's that are getting scarce.

Mac, go to www.iboats.com and search in the outboard repairs - force column. Tons of good info on Force. If only used in fw, corrosion should not be much of an issue. Try to buy the boat without the motor. If package only - pay accordingly. Plan on replacing force after you kill it. You won't be able to sell it for much by itself. The seller probably knows all this by now, so work it out if the hull is good. Sounds promising. :)

[macojoe]

I have a buddy with a 1994 Force 150hp with a blown powerhead for parts!!