Am I just buying a problem?

[Sea-Aye-Oh]

( I hope the is right forum this question...)

I'm looking at 1982 270 SRV Sundance, the boat is mint condition. The only issue is with the outdrives and motors. OMC 3.8L with stringer drives.

I'm beeing told to run not walk away from the boat because the OMC drives "break often, are hard to find parts for, and expensive to fix. In short, they are an absolute deal breaker."

Is this good advise or will I be able to find parts and keep the boat running?

Thanks

Sea-aye-oh

 

[Bondo]

Re: Am I just buying a problem?

Is this good advise

Ayuh,........... It Sure IS...........

 

[Don S]

Re: Am I just buying a problem?

OMC went out of buisness almost 10 years ago. (No dealers)
The manufacture of Stinger drives ended in 85 (22 years ago). Techs qualified to work on them are getting few and far between.
The 3.8 was only used for a few years and only by OMC

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Am I just buying a problem?

OMC went out of buisness almost 10 years ago. (No dealers)

The 3.8 was only used for a few years and only by OMC

Actually Merc used it for 2 years (83 and 84) as a 185/V6, and Volvo used it 1 or 2 years as a AQ175A. PCM and Crusader list it too.
I wouldn't be afraid of the engine, but be afraid of the drive.

Twin OMC's is the kind of boat it's good to get free if you have mechanical skills and trailer it or keep it on a railway. Of all the versions of OMC stringer, I think 1983 was about the best.

If it was ever near salt water, it should be illegal to even posess such a craft.

Is the boat called "DOUBLE TROUBLE" by chance?

Buying any 1982 boat is buying a problem, or 50.