88 OMC Sea Drive 235 HP

[Threemuch]

I am looking at buying a used boat with an 88 OMC Sea Drive 235 HP. Any serious issues with this power package?<br /><br />If I decide to replace the powerhead, can I downsize to the 2.6 L?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 88 OMC Sea Drive 235 HP

If the motor you are looking at is a cross flow with the "bubbled" exhaust it is a 2.6L motor. They had about 235 HP at the flywheel and 175 at the propshaft. Since the motor is that old with no obvious problems it should be OK. The biggest problem with the Sea Drive was mounting. If they were mounted too low they injested water. If this one has been running that long without problems it should be OK.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[John from Madison CT]

Re: 88 OMC Sea Drive 235 HP

I once had a 25' Whaler with Twin Sea Drives (150hp) All in all they were a very good system, BUT (big BUT) when it came time for resale I lost 19 out of 20 prospective customers when they saw these Sea Drives. <br />OMC, like with the Fichts, did not do the necessary R&D work from the get go. Eary Sea Drives where mounted way too low on hulls and the motors would swamp. Later models where mounted higher when they went to 25" shaft and these worked well in my opinion.<br />The main guts of the motors are the same as any regular carb'd OMC outboard. (ie. powerhead, lowerunit etc.) The trim and tilt portion of the motor is what's different, however they use'd the same powertrim and tilt pump.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />John from Madison, CT

 

[Threemuch]

Re: 88 OMC Sea Drive 235 HP

According to the spec sheet I have, it's the 3.0L Sea Drive. The boat is great, so I think I am going to pull the trigger on it, and if I need to repower, and buy a Gil bracket, so be it.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 88 OMC Sea Drive 235 HP

The 3.0L is a looper. A great motor with lots of torque. The looper and crossflow are not interchangeable but the looper is newer technology.<br /><br />Good luck!