[Crisco87]

Hello everyone,

I just recently purchased a 28' 1979 Bellboy. Unfortunately, I found these forums after I made the purchase; otherwise I may have had a second thought about purchasing it. I am new to boat ownership and need some help identifying exactly what is "under the hood."

The outdrive is an OMC but I am unsure as to what model it is, etc. Attached are pictures of the outdrive. If you see anything that may need repaired please let me know. Also, if you would like more pictures I will be more than happy to take some.

Also, the previous owner said the engine is a Chevy 305. I am not too sure about that. There are some pictures of the engine as well. On the top of the block the letters GM and numbers 343249 are raised. If the engine is a V8, then why does the outdrive say V6?

Any help and or direction will be greatly appreciated. By direction I mean maintenance manuals, owners manuals, etc.

Thanks and I look forward to using these forums.

Chris

[Howard Sterndrive]

Originally Posted by Crisco87

The outdrive is an OMC but I am unsure as to what model it is,

800 Series - as it says on top of it - also looks like it says 1.50:1 which is the gear ratio for a 350/5.7L V8 application
The lower unit pictured is a full mechanical shift type which was introduced around 1981/82, so between that point, and the V6 logo, there has been some newer used parts added.
Have you operated the boat? My first question would be "how hard was it to shift to neutral?"...but we can cover that issue later
My guess would be that a lower unit was swapped from a V6 boat. If that is the case and the upper gearbox was reused, the drive is still the same 1.50:1 ratio which would be important for performance

V6 and V8's used the same gear ratio in the lower.

Originally Posted by Crisco87

If you see anything that may need repaired please let me know.

1. non-marine fuel filter before the carb- unsafe
2. distributor does not look like a marine unit - again a safety issue
3. There's an automotive EGR valve on the intake- not a marine part - makes me suspect someone swapped an automotive engine in.-not necessarily cause for panic, but ignition and fuel parts need verifying for marine compatibility to make the boat safe.
check the starter to make sure it is marine (Look for "SAEJ1171" on starter, alternator and distributor for marine spark arresting certification)
4. Google the carb part numbers to see if it is a marine part

Originally Posted by Crisco87

If the engine is a V8, then why does the outdrive say V6?

Again, some parts swapping evident...The part that has the V6 stickers on it is the exhaust housing of the drive.
Either your boat has been repowered with a bigger engine, or at least some parts of your outdrive are off of a boat with a V6.
Again, the lower units of the V6 and V8 are identical but for that decal on the exhaust housing, but the upper unit gearing will be different ratio between a V6 and a V8.
There should be a tin tag on the upper gearbox starboard side with a drive model number on it - 6 or 7 digits starting with a "9"

Ebay is a good place to look for OEM manuals.
I would recommend a manual for 1982/83/84 or 85 so you have info on the lower unit pictured.

[cooter2506]

If that engine is a 305 I think you will find yourself severly underpowered for a 28 ft. boat. Other than that I dont know much about the OMC stuff. But be ready for the negative stuff from these guys as to not too many fans of them on here.

[Crisco87]

Okay so one question I have is about the gear ratio. Essentially, a 1.5:1 means that for every one turn of the engine the prop turns 1.5, right? Would that be the best gear ratio for this engine? If I wanted it to go a little faster I'd have to re-gear it, correct?

It's not too difficult to get into neutral. Not difficult at all actually. I just pull the throttle back and pull the throttle handle out. Voila! Neutral!

Ideally, I am going to put a completely new engine and outdrive in. But for right now, I just want to make this one work...and not blow everyone up.

Thanks,

Chris

[Howard Sterndrive]

Originally Posted by Crisco87

Essentially, a 1.5:1 means that for every one turn of the engine the prop turns 1.5, right?

Just the opposite, actually

Originally Posted by Crisco87

If I wanted it to go a little faster I'd have to re-gear it, correct?

yes, assuming you had the power.
but 1.5 is the "fastest" gear set ever made for that (and most other) drives.
You would probably want "slower" gears in a 28 footer if anything. Like what would be found in a V6 upper...and maybe you are there already

Originally Posted by Crisco87

It's not too difficult to get into neutral. Not difficult at all actually. I just pull the throttle back and pull the throttle handle out. Voila! Neutral!

handle out part not making sense to me there, but good it gets to neutral easily - someone must've installed an ESA system when updating the lower unit. Not sure how they would've got it to work with a car distributor but maybe....
Many didn't and ended up crashing into the dock or another boat.

[Crisco87]

Why do you say I would want "slower" gearing? I understand a boat of my size isn't meant to be a speed boat...but why would I want it slower?

When I say handle out...if you are sitting in the chair, you pull the throttle handle towards the center and then push a button in and pull the handle out, towards the driver. So it moves <- -> and ^ V. See what I mean?

[Bond-o]

Why do you say I would want "slower" gearing? I understand a boat of my size isn't meant to be a speed boat...but why would I want it slower?

Ayuh,... It's all about available Horepower....
If you ain't got the Horsepower,.. You can't turn taller gears,.. It'll be a DOG...

Just be Happy that it runs at All,.... You've got a hodge podge of used parts thrown together....
Now is the time to start shopping for a Donor boat to strip of it's driveline,...
If your in Love with the hull enough to invest the effort of course....

Otherwise,... Get out from under it before it Pukes.....

[boatguya1]

Otherwise,... Get out from under it before it Pukes.....[/quote]

Agree 100%, best advice you'll get on that. OMC stringer is bad enough, but this if full of automotive stuff that presents a danger to you and will be expensive to replace.

James