OMC Seadrive 205 hp

[Seemer]

I am considering a 1986 Grady White with an OMC Seadrive with 205 hp engine. What is this? Limited research suggests that it was one of the first full transom brackets but that the engine was not that great. I also read that parts for the seadrive are v. difficult to source?

The powerhead has been rebuilt twice in its 24 years (1994 and 2007) and the engine is proclaimed to run well.

What's the skinny on this seadrive / any knowledge thoughts on this......go for it or avoid it?

 

[boobie]

Re: OMC Seadrive 205 hp

If it was myself I'd stay way,way far far away from it. The parts are hard to find for it and if you do are very pricey. The whole idea and design of it by OMC was one big farce.

 

[j_johnson33]

Re: OMC Seadrive 205 hp

I had a 1.6L on a 17ft Proline
Finding parts for the engine (carb kits , powerpack, etc..) was not too bad but the Tilt/Trim was another story... If they are not giving it away (CHEAP) I would not recomend buying it.
It was great on mine it made my 17' boat feel a lot bigger since I had the full transom.
It was a idea that never really took off ...As I stated earlier I would not buy another one unless it was Dirt cheap , just my 2 cents

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: OMC Seadrive 205 hp

they are basically an outboard, mounted on a specialize bracket. the engines are as good as any outboard. the tilt mechanism is a lot different, but when cared for, will be fine.

i have one in the shop now for overall basic maintainance.

 

[Seemer]

Re: OMC Seadrive 205 hp

Its an 86 Grady Tournament 22. Seller is asking $4500. I offered $3K. He is waiting a bit longer for more $$.

Thanks for your feeback.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: OMC Seadrive 205 hp

None of the Sea Drives were given a factory rating as far as horsepower goes. Get the actual model number so we can figure out which motor is actually on it. As stated the motors were very close to their outboard cousins but if it's an older 2.5 or 2.6 I'd probably shy away.

However, if you can get it cheap enough and really like the boat it is possible to remove the SD and replace it with a bracket and outboard. Been done many many times.

 

[ezeke]

Re: OMC Seadrive 205 hp

Crowleymarine has most of the Sea Drive parts catalogs online: http://www.crowleymarine.com/omc_sea_drive_parts.cfm

Once you have the part numbers you will find that they are the same as those on many sections of the Evinrude & Johnson motors, especially in regards to the powerheads and lower units.

 

[boobie]

Re: OMC Seadrive 205 hp

It's not the mtr part that's so bad but when you get into the power steering (if it's got it), the power tilt/trim parts, bracket parts and ect that's when it gets hairy.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: OMC Seadrive 205 hp

Personally, I love them, but only as long as it is a 25" version.
Most of the problems (engine wise) that occurred was in fact related to faulty installations.
In one occasion I re-powered a 22Ft that used to run a 1,6.
Modified the bracket, hooked on a 115 Ocean Pro (V4-60, OIS) 25".
Outperformed same boats that was usually delivered with VP AQ200.
If anyone considers installing a Jack-plate, try to find an old Sea Drive transom mount.

 

[boobie]

Re: OMC Seadrive 205 hp

A "Gill bracket" correctly installed with the proper mtr will do just as good if not better and you'll have less moving parts to break.