OMC 1986 Bayliner Capri.

liusigou

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May 11, 2015
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Tomorrow I will go and check a boat with OMC 1986 Bayliner Capri. Can I ask some question for OMC motor. Is it easy to find cheap part and to be maintained. Last time I tried to do a cylinders' testing for a OMC boat and I can only did two of 4 cylinders compression testing. Two other cylinders were blocked by other part and did not have changed to take the plugs off.

Does OMC boat deserve to buy?

Thank you every one.,
 

southkogs

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From the sounds of it ... run away.

Mid 80s Bayliners don't have a good reputation. So if the hull isn't excellent shape, you could have problems structurally. OMC has been out of business for a while and 1986 would likely still be a mechanical shift Stringer drive. If you know what you're doing with Stringers, they're pretty good. But they could be finicky, they're obsolete and many parts are no longer available.

Not a good choice if this is your first boat.
 

kenny nunez

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I can assure you that there will be water in the upper gear case. Take a large screwdriver and just loosen the lower drain screw on the side of the upper gear case. Cost of repair, mucho denaro!
 

liusigou

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From the sounds of it ... run away.

Mid 80s Bayliners don't have a good reputation. So if the hull isn't excellent shape, you could have problems structurally. OMC has been out of business for a while and 1986 would likely still be a mechanical shift Stringer drive. If you know what you're doing with Stringers, they're pretty good. But they could be finicky, they're obsolete and many parts are no longer available.

Not a good choice if this is your first boat.
Thank you for your suggestion, I will give up tomorrow's trip. Currently I have a boat of mercruiser 1989 120 Hp, and it is easy to be maintained. I prefer Mercruiser
 

southkogs

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The main difference is that Mercruiser is still in business. So, not as much support out there for OMC.

A later model OMC would be more like a Mercruiser; transom mounted with a more typical gimbal bearing assembly to the stern drive. OMC before 1987 were mounted to the Stringers of the boat and passed through the transom. They used a ball gear instead of gimbal bearing, and the upper and lower gear housings were different.

If you're looking for a used boat, look for Mercruiser or Volvo. Or outboard.
 

Bondo

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Tomorrow I will go and check a boat with OMC 1986 Bayliner Capri. Can I ask some question for OMC motor. Is it easy to find cheap part and to be maintained.
Does OMC boat deserve to buy?

Thank you every one.,
No,......
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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If you like challenges, buy the 38 year old and broken OMC

Parts are non-existent or super expensive.

The rest of us wouldn't touch it
 

Scott06

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Apr 20, 2014
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Thank you for your suggestion, I will give up tomorrow's trip. Currently I have a boat of mercruiser 1989 120 Hp, and it is easy to be maintained. I prefer Mercruiser
Stay with the mercruiser.

OMC went out of business years ago, where merc parts are still widely available, even for older ones like a 1989
 

liusigou

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Stay with the mercruiser.

OMC went out of business years ago, where merc parts are still widely available, even for older ones like a 1989
How about 1986? I am going to buy a old mercruiser of 1986
 

Scott06

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How about 1986? I am going to buy a old mercruiser of 1986
Yes parts are still available for the drives. Any R, MR , or alpha gen one drive still has parts available

only thing i would steer away from is it of has the 3.7 l four cylinder engine . while guys can make them work they are one of mercs more trouble prone designs
 
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