Outdrive selection help

OverseerNC

Recruit
Joined
Aug 27, 2007
Messages
1
Hello all,
I recently acquired a 1969 Spacecraft 23' Cuddy that my grandfather left me. The boat has been sitting a while but I was able to turn the crank over freely. Good news! Overall the boat is in pretty decent shape. I know there will be a great deal of work ahead, but my initial problem is to determine the correct replacement outdrive to fit to the boat since the original one was stolen. I am looking for advice on what I should look for to make sure I don't purchase the wrong unit.
The engine is a Chevy 350 4-bolt main. The housing and intermediate unit look sound. I know the outdrive is an OMC unit but having read a little on the internet I'm more confused now than before! OMC seems to have used the same basic unit for a period of time between sometime in the 60's to around '77 (or so), then changed to a different version for another period of time and finally the Cobra series. I have read of the 400 and 800 series Stringer units and different gearing ratios and such. Can anyone shoot some pointers my way? Thanks in advance.
 

aerwin

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 28, 2002
Messages
192
Re: Outdrive selection help

since you had an omc, it would be easier to replace it with that. find a donor boat that had a drive newer than 78', If this boat a a diamond in the rough and if you have the time, money and patients then I would find a donor boat other than omc. it takes alot of work but it can be done. a good 800 stringer drive, in great shape, will last a life time also
 
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