Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

[1Kelly]

Hello everyone!

I have a 1970 i/o 18' StarCraft Holiday V 80hp and find it under power for my needs! I have found a donor fiberglass boat that should be compatible to my boat. The boat has an i/o dual carb 120 Evinrude-OMC and is from the same year. The owner of the boat said that it ran well before they but it into storage four years ago and they want $1000.00 for the whole boat. Is there a better solution to my problem?

Thank you!

 

[GWPSR]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

What stern drive does your boat currently have? If it's Mercruiser, you don't want to go to an unsupported OMC.

Your repower options will depend heavily on what's in it now.

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

what kind of I/O is only 80 HP?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

Not a good choice of motor/outdrive, for the same reasons the original's not a great choice:
Looking for engine upgrade ideas for a Starcraft 1971/72 Holiday V 18' IO

So although it's a 'good' running motor according to the seller, it wouldn't be an improvement over the Ford OMC you have now, in terms of parts & service support, IMHO. Even though you've got a huge hole to fill to make it work, look for a Mercruiser motor/outdrive combo...

 

[1Kelly]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

Thanks for the information! I also would like to go to a newer model, but how do I make a Mercruiser combo fit where my OMC motor/drive is now? Is there a conversion kit for this refit? Any information would be great.


Thank you!

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

On board for this one would like to see how your refit turns out if you decide to.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

Thanks for the information! I also would like to go to a newer model, but how do I make a Mercruiser combo fit where my OMC motor/drive is now? Is there a conversion kit for this refit? Any information would be great.
Thank you!

Read thru some of the other tin resto's in the link I provided earlier in your other thread:
Starcraft Rebuilds and Restorations, they're all here!

The only 'currently' being rebuilt thread that was converted to the Mercruiser driveline was Jas' Islander project:
1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild - Page 1 - 369247

To the best of my knowledge, which is limited, there isn't a conversion kit to plug the HUGE round OMC transom hole & fit the keyhole style Mercruiser driveline. Reading thru some other tin builds from the Starcraft Owner's Group forum & the resto thread I linked again, will be of HUGE assistance as you start to rebuild your Holiday.

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

Merc is definitely the more modern, workable, better-designed, parts friendly, maintenance-friendly set-up. However, an OMC to Merc conversion (while doable) is certainly not ideal. It can be challenging. If you had a newer OMC (Cobra, etc..), there might be some conversion kits out there. However, you have an older OMC in your boat (stringer - "big white leg"), and there is really no way to plug that big 'ole hole in your boat without rebuilding your transom.

I got about half way through mine before I sold my boat. Jasoutside did one (noted above) on his thread. There are lots of important angles and measurements you have to get right (transom thickness, transom flat/parallel, transom angle, engine mounts, etc...).

I don't know much about your situation, but if your boat is working (and you merely find it underpowered), I would use it until it craps out and then just buy a boat that is better suited to a re-power.

 

[grzzzz]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

I never seen an answer to the original question... original 80hp inboard? I/O 120hp Evinrude/OMC? Things don't add up here! 1kelly, don't mean to sound rude but you sure your motor is not hanging off the back and not inside the boat? Maybe you have some thing I never seen?

Grzzzz

 

[grzzzz]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

Sorry, just read another thread that had a 80hp I/O, just never heard of them before. I understand, I wasn't happy with my 120hp. I upgraded to a 6cyl. Love that!!

Grzzzz

 

[matt167]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

The 80hp is actually an English Ford engine IIRC. Now totally obsolete and unsupported here in the US.. The swap to a 120 OMC will be a good upgrade as it is somewhat available and with a donor boat is not a big deal, tho I think a full mechanical shift Stringer would make a better swap

 

[1Kelly]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

Yes, it is an old Ford "Cortina" engine.
To Grzzz:
I thought your first comment "what kind of I/O is only 80 hp" - was in jest! :lol:

 

[1Kelly]

Re: Is It worth my time? Old OMC engine/stern drive replacement/reno.

The 80hp is actually an English Ford engine IIRC. Now totally obsolete and unsupported here in the US.. The swap to a 120 OMC will be a good upgrade as it is somewhat available and with a donor boat is not a big deal, tho I think a full mechanical shift Stringer would make a better swap

Yes, I am in Canada so back in the late 60's/early 70's we were still fairly "British".

I will google the "full mechanical shift Stringer" and see if there are any available way up here...

Thanks!