80's OMC V-8 Outboards

[Mercboy]

Hello all- What is the story behind OMC's 275 and 300 hp V-8 outboards from the 80's? They only produced them for a couple of years... why??? Were they a flop? They sure were impressive looking motors. Also, I never got an answer from anyone about Honda's new 225 V-6. Anybody know anything about it?<br /><br />Thanks in advance!

 

[Walter]

Re: 80's OMC V-8 Outboards

Sorry MercBoy...I didn't see you post re: Honda 225.<br /><br />Find yourself a copy of May 2001 Trailer Boats mag...they did a very informative article on that engine. They also reviewed Yamaha's 225 in their July 2001 issue.<br /><br />I think the major reason behind the V-8 outboard demise was the fact that so few boats built at the time could accomdate them. Merc's mammoth 300 hp (V-6) fell that way...too many ponies...too little transom.<br /><br /><br />Those big honkers were impressive though, weren't they?<br /><br />Walt

 

[Mercboy]

Re: 80's OMC V-8 Outboards

Thanks Walt- I'll check out that issue of trailerboat. Honda doesn't have mega info yet on their website so I guess the motor is still a long way from being released. <br /><br />About the BIG outboards, it would seem to me that the boats of today could handle bigger motors than 250's- why is that the biggest motor made by anybody? Some of the 25+ ft center console and walk around boats can handle 300- 600 HP easily!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 80's OMC V-8 Outboards

The V8's are great motors. I owned some as well as raced some. Their biggest downfall was the fact that most people didn't understand how to set them up. They are unlike any V6. <br /><br />My favorite was my 300XP on the 19' Rabco. No, wait -- it's the twin 300's on the 27 Eliminator. Or maybe it's the triple 275's on the 32 Excalibur. Or the 300 on the 20 Hydrostream Vegas. Speaking of Hydrostream - how about the 300 on the 20' bass boat? Although the 300 on the 24 Cigarette or on the 26 Velocity was cool too. And the 24 Malestrom ran well with a 300. Ya know what? I don't have a favorite. I liked them all.<br /><br />Thanks for reminding me.

 

[evin300]

Re: 80's OMC V-8 Outboards

I am absolutey thrilled with my 1989 XP300 on a 21' Laveycraft, I believe they were available untill 95? I have also heard from a reliable source that many of the drug smugglers were using them, and this was a factor in OMC's decision to halt production. <br /><br />WOW Dhadley! *&%#@!*@#%^%^^!

 

[Mercboy]

Re: 80's OMC V-8 Outboards

Man Dhadley! Sounds like you've definitly been there done that and bought the t-shirt! Cool! So, the question stands- why won't any manufacturer go above 250? Surely not because of drug smugglers! Or was it???

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 80's OMC V-8 Outboards

I don't think so. Even after they discontinued the V8 in the states it was still a big seller overseas. It has more to do with the EPA regulations and "credits". And they were spending a lot of time and money developing their version of fuel injection which was later scrapped when they bought into the Ficht technology.