17 foot 3.0 vs 18 foot 4.3?

[CaptOchs]

Re: 17 foot 3.0 vs 18 foot 4.3?

Ok I see. I don't buy anything based on replacement parts availability. The mere fact that there are 1000 type a replacement widgets and 100 type b replacement widgets doesn't sway my purchasing decision. If I want more power I buy the item with more power not the item with less power knowing there are more of them and i'll sleep better at night. Now I have less power and the knowledge that I can replace it with more of the same less power if needed. By the same token then, if there are less of them, maybe the replacement is more expensive. That's fine, I'll just write a bigger check but do my best to ensure I never need to replace it. Engine replacement not due to neglect is rare around me. Usually it is from poor winterizing and most severe damage is outdrive related in my experience. Outdrives are the same on our low powered boats.

Let's say I was to buy you a boat and I gave you a choice between a boat with a Mercruiser/3.0L or an OMC/4.3. If I understand you correctly you would take the OMC 4.3? The fact OMC has been out of business for over 10 years and parts are becoming rare wouldn't bother you? Just about everyone here recommends to noobies (that are looking at boats) to run away from OMC.

 

[pbc]

Re: 17 foot 3.0 vs 18 foot 4.3?

Let's say I was to buy you a boat and I gave you a choice between a boat with a Mercruiser/3.0L or an OMC/4.3. If I understand you correctly you would take the OMC 4.3? The fact OMC has been out of business for over 10 years and parts are becoming rare wouldn't bother you? Just about everyone here recommends to noobies (that are looking at boats) to run away from OMC.

The lack of parts has me a tad nervous. I assume the 4.3 Gen LX engine is different from the OMC4.3? I.e., the engine in this boat?

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...-Sea-Ray-175-boat-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ297703395

Thanks!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 17 foot 3.0 vs 18 foot 4.3?

The lack of parts has me a tad nervous. I assume the 4.3 Gen LX engine is different from the OMC4.3? I.e., the engine in this boat?

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...-Sea-Ray-175-boat-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ297703395

Thanks!

Yes. No issue.

 

[jkust]

Re: 17 foot 3.0 vs 18 foot 4.3?

Let's say I was to buy you a boat and I gave you a choice between a boat with a Mercruiser/3.0L or an OMC/4.3. If I understand you correctly you would take the OMC 4.3? The fact OMC has been out of business for over 10 years and parts are becoming rare wouldn't bother you? Just about everyone here recommends to noobies (that are looking at boats) to run away from OMC.

In my case that isn't a valid comparison. An OMC wouldn't make it into consideration so not in the equation. Your comparison would maybe make sense if it was currently the year OMC went out of business and I had a Mercruiser 3.0 in consideration as well. In that case without the benefit of hindsite, I'd likely go with the more power 4.3. A better, more contemporary comparison would be a newer Mercruiser vs. a Volvo. Would I buy the 3.0 Mercruiser with their widely available parts and broad service or the lower production 4.3 Volvo with their smaller production and narrow service availability? The answer would be the Volvo even though I would likely pay the price for maintaining it however they are a bit cheaper when new.

 

[pbc]

Re: 17 foot 3.0 vs 18 foot 4.3?

Seems a '97 Sea Ray 175 with a 4.3 Merc is available now, $7500, much more reasonably priced depending on the condition. Though I guess it's not a Four Winns FWIW.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...-Sea-Ray-175-boat-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ297703395

Heading to see this boat tomorrow, and if it looks good will likely have a boat surveyor look at it on Monday and give it a full review and compression test for the $300 or whatever they charge. Told the guy I'd give him his ask if it passes all the tests as he mentioned he was swamped with replies (maybe a lie, but given the price I doubt it).

Maybe I'm dumb, but I figure even if it has a few issues, it's better to spend say $2 to $3k myself getting it fixed than buying another boat for $10 to $12k and hoping it doesn't have similar issues.

I really liked the 2005 Four Winns 17.5 Fish and Ski, but it didn't have a bimini top or any covers (just a cover that can be used while it's on the trailor), and had a 3.0 vs 4.3, and was some $5k more which felt a bit rich. The money doesn't bother me that much, I just love finding a good value/deal I guess. May come back to bit me in the end. :redface: