Pre checklist

[skipper123]

I am just starting to shop fo my next project boat and need some info on the type of out drives to look for and the ones to avoid. Im looking for a 22 to 25 ft cuddy and prefer glass but would take a tin can with a good hull. I do not know the worst or best outdrive engine set ups to look for. Would like to stay away from computerized engines for ease of repair. Anyone know what year they started computer engine controls ? I have heard to stay away from OMC not sure why ? Seems like Mercrusier is king. This will be my first inboard, and what about the engine any bad ones to stay away from. I would like a 6 or 8 cyl. What is a Alpha and Bravo drive and which one is better ?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Pre checklist

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... Don't buy an OMC, or a Mercruiser with a 470 motor...
Some Volvos are Ok, some are Great...
Stick with Chevy based motors,+ you can't go Wrong...

Oh ya, Yamahas are Really Bad News...

 

[chargerboy]

Re: Pre checklist

Yes, stay away from OMC as they don't make them anymore, and parts and repairs are extremely expensive. Mercruiser has alot of aftermarket support partswise and replacement drives are as low as 1300 dollars for a whole unit if anything goes bad. Computer controls on engines were incorporated to different engines over different years, look for something with a carb and you should be fine.

The 3.0 Litre Mercruiser is my favorite, it's lightweight, easy to repair, good on gas, and nicknamed the "Iron Duke" for a good reason. The 4.3 V6 is also an extremely well built motor. Small block v-8s are going to get you less fuel mileage, but sometimes are necessary to move a bigger boat. Whatever you set your eye on, do yourself a favour and write down all the information you can gather, and then google it for other peoples opinions, or ask on here.


You have 3 types of Alpha drives, they are much lighter than a bravo drive, but handle less power (i think up to 400 horse), you have pre-gen (mr series) 1st gen and 2nd gen. They are good drives, easy to work on yourself. Not so knowledgeable about the bravos as I have never owned one, but they are more money and more weight, designed to handle more power.


Best of luck to you and your new boat search!

 

[skipper123]

Re: Pre checklist

Whats you guys opinion on switching to an outboard instead of inboard. Most of the 23 to 25 ft cuddys I am looking at all have a inboard or part of one. Not looking for a speed boat just a cruiser to spend the weekends on the lake fresh water only. I am good with glass work and have built a outboard mount out of 2x10s glassed in but only for a 40hp outboard.

 

[chargerboy]

Re: Pre checklist

It's all personal preference.... weight vs. space is the battle between inboard and outboard. You can either hang 400 lbs off your transom, which is hard on the boat, and why you see so many people rebuilding their transoms on here. or you can put it in the middle of the boat, call it an inboard, save problems of weight distribution, but lose a little space inside the boat. An engine is still an engine, horsepower is still the same, it all depends on what you want to get out of the boat. For a cruiser, I prefer inboard because they tend to run quieter. Also, I personally hate mixing fuel, and will never own another 2 stroke outboard.

It's all up to what you want.

 

[skipper123]

Re: Pre checklist

I went to four stroke and then came back to two stroke. My 05 115 yama four stroke was so heavy it kept the scuppers under water on my 2004 18ft 180DC Sea Pro and it was not over sized for the boat. Water was always in the floor on a self bailing deck and always had wet feet. I sold the boat and decided to build my own and I wanted a 21 to 25ft cuddy to camp out in but I am thinking about a transome bracket and a 125 to 150 two stroke. Light weight more power and from the yester years so I can troubleshoot it myself when problems arise. If I can find a boat with a motor that you can find parts for and a same for the out drive I would just rebuild it. Is a 3 liter a straight 6cyl ?