merc vs omc outdrives

[nestegg]

I'm getting ready to upgrade from my 24' to a 29-32' and i'm really starting to wonder about outdrives. Does anybody have any fact based opinions on which is better? Cause now there are going to be 2 of them down there to worry about. my 5.3l 188hp mercruiser has performed well for my with usual maintenance. People have told me to avoid omc at all costs.

 

[Alrobot]

Re: merc vs omc outdrives

I have a few of those people at work here. I have a 76 Galaxie with an OMC. You would have thought I ran over their doggie with it. It runs great, from a parts standpoint. I have to go to a different dealer than they do. They also like chevy's and I am a ford guy. The most important thing to do is make sure it is something you WANT, Don't Settle...

 

[DP]

Re: merc vs omc outdrives

One major thing to keep in mind when you upgrade.<br />OMC drives are no longer manufactured and parts are going to start to be hard to get. <br />The best drive is one that you can get parts for and have local service. I rate Mercruiser #1 and Volvo #2(only because parts are more expensive and service dealers are fewer). <br />Buying an OMC drive would be like buying an Edsel, except the Edsel will will have a resale value.

 

[denniz]

Re: merc vs omc outdrives

merc if it were mine.

 

[Lark40]

Re: merc vs omc outdrives

Have to disagree with BW17MT. Traded in my 2001 Mercruiser for a 1987 OMC. <br /><br />Much quieter and smoother operation. Parts are easy to get and very reasonable. Very happy with the switch.<br /><br />Now, if I were buying a new boat and had the money, the Volvo is the best quality you can buy.

 

[capercanuck]

Re: merc vs omc outdrives

I've got two boats currently and I've just gone through the OMC vs. Merc vs. Volvo thing myself.One of my boats has a 165 hp merc with merc outdrive, the other one has a 350 OMC with OMC outdrive, 800 series. The problem began when I damaged the upper unit on my 800 series, or "stringer" a few weeks ago. The "stringer" ran extremely well, very quiet and never any questions about its reliability. What happened was I think I hit a shoal, which damaged the unit. Anyway, when it came to the repair/ replacement question, I really did my homework. 800 series parts ARE becoming, if not difficult, expensive to get. In a few years they WILL be even more expensive and hard to find. Its only common sense. Try to find aftermarket parts for some of those older inboards that aren't made anymore....usually aftermarket (less expensive) aren't even available anymore. The parts become limited, and every guy who hits a shoal damages some of those limited parts and they eventually dry up. My merc has worked fine for me and the Volvo, in my area, are more expensive and dealers are limited. Merc parts are easily obtained and usually there are merc dealers on every corner. A friend of mine has a Volvo and he swears by it. My OMC worked like a charm, but now is difficult and expensive to repair. Merc became my final choice and my boat is now in the shop being changed from OMC to Merc. My biggest suggestion is "do your homework". There are lots of opinions out there, get as many as you can. Good Luck!