Convert to SEI or rebuild?

[biggrhammr]

I expected to see a lot of threads discussing all the people converting to SEI, but don't see that much, or maybe I don't know how to search very well. I'm looking at either rebuilding the upper unit of my (91 4.3 Cobra OMC) outdrive, or converting to S.E.I. unless there is some other option out there that's better? I especially expected to see a lot of info on re-configuring the remote control (from push to pull), but don't see much of that either. Don't want to blow 2k going in the wrong direction (SEI), but can't imagine that putting over 1k in the old OMC is the logical choice either. Any thoughts? I've seen the arguments back and forth on the SEI warranty, that's not what I'm talking about. I'm looking for those who did it and would never look back, or those who did something else. I'm new to boating, and I do appreciate all the free advice available here, as well as the friendly attitudes.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Convert to SEI or rebuild?

I guess the main factor if it were my boat is how much it will actually be to rebuild the Cobra. Do you have a quote? Is there a local shop that does them reliably. Have the gears survived? how are the u joints, upper shaft splines, etc. and do the housings need any machine work....those sorts of questions are what would determine for me which way to go. If you need a gear set you need to weigh GLM vs OMC gears...SEI convert probably cheaper than a Cobra rebuild with OMC gears. EDIT- nevermind the 21:19 uppers are no longer avail from BRP - aftermarket is only option
You'll have to rebearing and reseal the lower too to do a proper job in most instances as the upper debris ends up in the lower.

maybe don't see a lot of task specific stuff (e.g. shifter rework) here about the conversion here because SEI have their own board that seems to get responses pretty quick from the admin.

 

[ljsweeney]

Re: Convert to SEI or rebuild?

You already know how I feel about this (posted in your other thread). Quick recap: I toasted my upper; replaced only the upper; fought with overheating; had lower reasealed; spent almost as much as the SEI conversion; still have old, obsolete o/d.

If I had to do the whole thing over again, I would definitely go with the SEI conversion, for several reasons:

1) Warranty
2) Newer; more parts/service availability
3) Peace of mind
4) Spent nearly as much making the old stuff work

As to item 3 above, I cannot overstate the importance of that one. Some people really like working on their boats - I really like using my boat. I keep waiting for the 'other shoe' to drop on this Cobra. Every little clunk I hear makes me wonder if the Cobra is on the way out. I would be so much more relaxed knowing that all the gear that sits under water is tip top. Granted, this was my doing and is not indicative of any defect in the Cobra, but the feeling is there nonetheless.

Really, the final decision is yours (duh, right?). Do you like to tinker with your boat? Do you want to take a chance that could potentially save you some money? Then you might want to try to have your upper rebuilt or replaced, your lower resealed and tested, and the entire o/d pressure tested. If that works, and you do much of the labor yourself, you could save as much as a grand.

If you don't want to take that chance, or just want to enjoy your boat instead of working on it or worrying about it, then go with the SEI conversion.

Of course, you can always cruise Craigslist and look for a donor boat (bad hull, transom, stringers, etc.) that you can take the o/d out of, but that takes time. I'm always looking to get back on the water ASAP, so I'm less fond of that option in the middle of the season.

I guess it all boils down to risk and your tolerance thereof. Do you feel lucky?

Whatever you choose, good luck.