OMC Stern Drives- Dinosaurs or OK?

[Woody from CamlachieOn]

I am considering a first boat purchase, probably under 20 ft Bowrider, 1987-1993,I/O equipped. My questions are:<br />a. One potential boat has a 1988-9, 4.3 OMC Cobra, with OMC stern drive. Reliable sources are saying to stay away from OMC, as parts & service are going to become tough to acquire in future, since Bombardier has stated they will not support OMC stern drives. <br />b. Another source claims that Volvo/Penta bought OMC Cobra and is supporting it.<br />c. Comments?

 

[mako]

Re: OMC Stern Drives- Dinosaurs or OK?

I am currently running a Renken with a 4.3 with the Cobra Outdrive. I have not had any problems with the outdrive since I obtained it last April 2001. This boat is pretty much on loan as I saved it from rotting away in my buddies yard. I did have trouble with the manifolds last year and needed some gaskets and a rubber riser boot. I had some trouble geting the parts but did finally find them. If I were you I would stay away from the OMC just because of the unknown factor of getting parts. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Lark40]

Re: OMC Stern Drives- Dinosaurs or OK?

I have a 1987 OMC 4.3 in my Starcraft.<br /><br />It shifts much smoother than the 2001 Mercruiser Alpha 1 that I just sold. Am impressed with it's engineering and operation.<br /><br />An authority like G. Van Paris on another site has said that OMC Cobra parts are not a problem at this time. I have recently ordered parts through BoatUS with no problems.<br /><br />However, be sure that you can get professional service in your area. Parts won't help if you can't install them yourself.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: OMC Stern Drives- Dinosaurs or OK?

i also have an 87 omc 3.0. no major problems except for a couple bad seals. take it for a sea trial, & see how it shifts. any binding may indicate a shift cable out of adj. which must be corrected. once it's adj. properly that unit will shift with 2 fingers. i've had no problem obtaining parts. omc has a bad rap which is undeserved. merc. has cornered the market not from quality, but from good marketing strategy. witness the bravo 111 fiasco.

 

[capercanuck]

Re: OMC Stern Drives- Dinosaurs or OK?

I've got a 5.7L with OMC sterndrive and it runs really well. It shifts "smooth as silk" and has been qu<br />ite reliable, so far. There doesn't seem to be any major problems with obtaining parts. I also hav a 6 cyl merc with sterndrive and it doesn't shift nearly as smoothly. I hope I continue to have luck with the OMC cause I really like it. But, it's like anything else, if they stop producing parts....you're SOL.