need help identifying OMC electric shift

[Fishermark]

I inherited my brother's boat (okay, I stole it for the nice I beam aluminum trailer! ). Anyway, I now need to get rid of the boat. It is a 1970's vintage 25' boat with an OMC electric shift outdrive. The engine is shot and the hull is going to the nearest salvage yard -- more than likely at least. I plan on pulling the outdrive and selling it separately - or perhaps selling it and giving the boat it is attached to for free. <br /><br />Anyway, all I know is that it is an electric shift OMC which I know little about - not even enough to tell anyone what model it is. Where do I look for this information? What would the possible models be?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: need help identifying OMC electric shift

Anyone? Even a web site showing what the various models look like or what to look for?

 

[Rainmaker]

Re: need help identifying OMC electric shift

The only major difference in the electric shifts (72-77) is the length of the upper (pivoting)housing. There are long ones and short ones. OMC extended the reach of the drive by adding a few inches to the upper housing.<br /><br />However, I've never actually measured the difference between the two so I can't give you specifics. Perhaps someone else here can.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: need help identifying OMC electric shift

Here's a little more info I discovered:<br /><br />The boat is a 24' 1977 Seawind. I found a tag on the starboard side of the outdrive, scraped off a bit of paint, and it gives a model and serial number. The model number is 981105. Other than that, like I mentioned, I am uninformed as to these outdrives. I see some refer to "Stringers" and "Cobras" and "King Cobras" -- what is this drive called? Anyone know? (When I say, "What is this drive called?", I urge you to remember this is a family forum. I am only interested in the actual name! )

 

[outboardguy]

Re: need help identifying OMC electric shift

I believe you would call it a stringer drive.Also it usually has a number designation pertaining to the engine as in 400 series for 4cyl motor and 600 series for 6cyl motor and 800 for 8cyl motor.

 

[Rainmaker]

Re: need help identifying OMC electric shift

Stringers were the OMC drives where the thrust of the engine/drive was taken by the stringers, and not the transom. All stringers had a large boot going around the drive, sealing the transom. But the outdrive itself did not mount to the transom, it mounted to the stringers inside the boat, like the engine.<br /><br />All OMC drives were stringers until the Cobra came out (somewhere in the mid - late 80's). Stringers were electric shift from 72 thru 77, then they became 400's and 800's etc. from 78 until the Cobra came out. I believe the King Cobra was a 460 Ford powered setup (could be wrong there).<br /><br />Most likely, you have a short-shaft electric shift. Since your boat was built the last year electric shifts were made, I guess there's a small chance it is not an electric shift, and it's a 800. So you have to check to see if theres a wire coming out of the shifter and a wire going all the way down into the lower unit. Or you can take that number to your local OMC dealer, he might be able to tell you for sure.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: need help identifying OMC electric shift

Thank you all, that is very helpful information. Yes, it does have the large rubber boot around the entire drive, (when he bought this boat about ten years ago I replaced that boot and rebuilt the Ford small block engine for him). I also replaced the wire going to the lower unit and messed around a little bit with the outdrive, so I know it is an electric shift. <br /><br />Once again, I appreciate the information and help!

 

[jrsinn]

Re: need help identifying OMC electric shift

I am in the same situation, trying to identify if I have a electric shift or 800 series OMC. I have a 18' 1977 Marlin (302 Ford V8). RAINMAKER mentioned to check if there is one wire to the shifter and another one all the way down to the lower unit.<br /><br />If there is, am I correct to assume that I have an electric shift and if there is not then I have the 800 series?<br /><br />Everything I have been able to dig up leads me to believe that it is an electric shift, but want to make sure before changing fluids.<br /><br />Thanks.