Chrysler Outboard Motors: The Forgotten Brand That Became Force

Before the modern era of high-tech 4-strokes, Chrysler Marine was a powerhouse in the American outboard market, competing directly with Mercury and OMC. Their engines defined a specific era of "simple and affordable" boating, and their technical DNA lived on for decades through the Force brand. This guide covers the rise and fall of Chrysler outboards and provides verified specifications for their classic 2-stroke lineup.

Did Chrysler Make Outboard Motors?

Yes, Chrysler was a massive player in the marine industry for nearly two decades. While many today only know Chrysler for its cars, the company’s "Chrysler Marine" division produced everything from tiny 3.5hp portables to massive 150hp V6 racing outboards. At their peak in the mid-1970s, Chrysler held nearly 29% of the U.S. marine market, operating out of a 590,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Hartford, Wisconsin.

Chrysler Marine: The Division the Car Company Tried to Hide

Despite their success, Chrysler's outboard division was often overshadowed by the company's automotive struggles. Chrysler Marine was an attempt to replicate the "vertically integrated" success of companies like GM, but with a focus on the water.

West Bend Origins and the Chrysler Acquisition (1960s)

The story began in January 1965 when Chrysler purchased the outboard division of the West Bend Aluminum Company. West Bend had already established a strong presence, notably as the secret manufacturer behind Sears' Elgin Outboards through 1959. By acquiring West Bend, Chrysler instantly stepped into a mature manufacturing operation with a full lineup of proven engine designs.

The Cross-Scavenged 2-Stroke Design: Simple But Flawed

Technically, Chrysler outboards were famous for their cross-scavenged 2-stroke design. This engineering choice made the engines incredibly simple to build and lightweight—often lighter than the competing Mercury "Tower of Power" or Johnson engines. However, cross-scavenging was inherently less efficient than the newer "Loop-charged" designs, leading to higher fuel consumption and the "noisy and smokey" reputation that would eventually follow the brand into its Force era.

What Happened to Chrysler Outboards?

The downfall of Chrysler outboards wasn't caused by the engines themselves, but by the financial collapse of the parent car company.

The 1983 Divestiture: Chrysler Sells Its Marine Division

Between 1979 and 1980, Chrysler Corporation faced near-bankruptcy and was saved only by a controversial federal government bailout. A key condition of that bailout was that Chrysler had to sell off all non-core assets. Chrysler Marine, the last major non-automotive division, was put on the block. It took until 1984 to finalize the sale to US Marine, the parent company of Bayliner boats.

Are Chrysler and Force Outboards the Same Engine?

For the models produced between 1984 and 1994, the answer is largely yes. When US Marine bought the Chrysler factory and designs, they simply changed the paint from Chrysler Blue to Force White and Black. The internals—from the pistons to the crankshafts—remained pure Chrysler. It wasn't until Brunswick (Mercury) took over in the late 80s that Mercury parts started being phased into the design.

Chrysler Outboard Models: HP Ranges, Years, and Specifications

Can You Still Find Chrysler Outboard Parts?

Yes. Because these engines were designed for simplicity and mass-produced for the Bayliner fleet (as Force), parts are very common. Sierra Marine and CDI Electronics continue to manufacture the most common service items like water pumps, carb kits, and power packs.