This forum has been a real help in helping me search for a good boat for the family. I've owned ski boats in the past, but never an I/O or outboard, so the information on this board is invaluable. I've narrowed my search down to 2 likely candidates in my price range. The first is a 1977 Cobalt 19' bowrider. There is no hour meter, so actual hours are unknown. It has an OMC outdrive with a Ford motor. The outdrive was rebuilt apprx. 2 years ago, the motor was rebuilt apprx. 10 years ago. Current owner has service records, etc. Well maintained and appears to be in good condition.The second is a 1988 Chris Craft 21' bowrider, mid-engine. Merc outdrive with Chevy 350 motor. Service records show good maintenance, but no rebuilds. This is about $1000 cheaper than the Cobalt. I would appreciate comments on these 2 prospects. Boat will be used for family recreation and skiing. Thanks.Rob S.
Good thing the OMC drive was rebuilt two years ago, cause finding the parts to rebuild it again will be difficult. Ford also doesn't make marine engines anymore, but that wouldn;t be a huge problem if it needs rebuilt in the future.Chevy on the other hand still makes marine engines, so if that 5.7 Merc goes bad, you will have all sorts of rebuild, rebuilt, or replacement options. Merc sterndrive parts are everywhere. I too am confused by "mid-engine". I have never heard that term used to describe a boat.
Huh? Does "mid-engine" mean there is a jackshaft to the sterndrive?
That is exactly what it is. A driveshaft, or jackshaft goes to the sterndrive. I was actually hoping someone here could tell me a little more about it and why it would be beneficial, or not.
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Good thing the OMC drive was rebuilt two years ago, cause finding the parts to rebuild it again will be difficult.
Well that would seem to be a huge problem. Based on this I would think it best to stay away from any OMC sterndrive. This causes me to lean towards the Chris Craft.Thanks all for the advice. Any other comments are welcome. Thanks.Rob S.
Placing the motor further ahead in the hull moves the center of gravity forward which usually improves handling and ride at lower speeds. However this will definitely cut down top speed. In other words, this "mid-engine" C-C will behave more like an inboard tournament ski boat and less like the typical bowrider.Kelly
I have a 74 Cobalt 19 with the OMC Stringer and a GM 5L. I recieved it free from my boss. The outdrive was also recently rebuilt prior to storage and I havenet had any issues with it in my limited usage so far this spring. Everything I hear about the old Cobalts is good. The hull is extremely heavy and well built. As long as you dont have any rot in the stringers you can expect a very durable hull, with that comes the aded wieght. Those old ccobalts weigh about 1000 lbs more than a similar length new boat, so dont expect a speedster.
Also, I have found just doing periodic serches on ebay, many parts for those old OMC drives. Sometimes you can find a good deal, sometimes things are very expensive.I am not sure I quit buy into the fact you can't find parts for these drives. They are out there, but I will grant if something breaks on a friday and you want to get it fixed that weekend, you may have some waiting to do to locate the correct parts.
I had good luck with my OMC outdrive on my .70 larson (sold it in 2000 and new owners still enjoying it). Got two sandbars with it and only damage was a couple of sheer pins. My impression was that it was pretty bulletproof. Heck, it was about the only thing that didn't break on that boat when I owned it......
Need info on new boat purchase
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