Worth it?

I have a friend who is offering to give me his old boat. It's a dream come true for me right now, but...Everything's good (especially for a 1978) except the lower unit on the OMC outdrive...

I know OMC is out of business. Here on iBoats, I clicked on a thread and apparently I can get a rebuilt lower unit for about $1900. They also claim to have a new one for $2300. The boat MIGHT be worth that much to me if the new lower unit will hold out for 10 years.
1) Can I expect 10 years on a rebuilt OMC outdrive?
2) Is there any such thing as a "new" one?
3) Is this install something I can do myself, or does it require expertise?
4) How hard would it be to replace the entire outdrive with a Mercruiser or Volvo? (the engine is a Ford V8, either a 302 or a 351cid.)

Thanks!

Dave

Re: Worth it?

Best just to leave it alone.

Or how big is the boat? what kind?
Time on the water?
Shop around, should be able to do better than $1900. A lot better



Big time job for swap.

Re: Worth it?

Everything's good (especially for a 1978) except the lower unit on the OMC outdrive
Is it Worth it?

Click to expand...

Nope,...... Probably Not........

You've got a 78,.... That's an old Stringer Drive,... Not the Cobra....
There are NO New Stringer drives,..... At All......

Re: Worth it?

I had an OMC "White Anchor"...

Parts are still available and if maintained, it will last you. For the price of an OMC Outdrive PROPERLY rebuilt, I think you'll come out ahead and enjoy it.

One word though... RESALE... Do not expect to be able to sell that boat with that drive on it. It will be hard to due to White Anchor-haters out there and the general fears of them.

Re: Worth it?

Thanks for the input. The boat is a 1978 Galaxie trihull 18 1/2 footer. I love my 15' trihull but it's just too small.

Dave

Re: Worth it?

I have a friend who is offering to give me his old boat. It's a dream come true for me right now, but...Everything's good (especially for a 1978) except the lower unit on the OMC outdrive...

Click to expand...

Uh....no. It's a nightmare. You're MUCH better off passing it by!

Re: Worth it?

OK - I get the message! Thanks for saving me the trouble.

Dave

Re: Worth it?

What is wrong with the lower unit? And what area do you live in?