Remove OMC, Install Mercruiser or New engine/stern drive (Doral)

[klab010]

Hi all,

I will be looking at removing my OMC Cobra 262 in the next year or 2 and am wondering if anyone has forgone a project like this. I have a 24 ft Doral Cavalier and the engine has 1400 + hours on it, and I expect to need to swap it out in the future. Stringers are dry, and I will likely replace the stern drive too. Any advise, contacts etc would be appreciated. BTW my current engine/drive runs well, but I am trying to plan forthe worst seeing as the boat is 21+ years old now. - don't want to get stuck out on the lake one day!.

Thanks ,

Kev

 

[Don S]

Re: Remove OMC, Install Mercruiser or New engine/stern drive (Doral)

The transom cutout is the same for the Cobra and the Merc. Everything else has to be changed.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Remove OMC, Install Mercruiser or New engine/stern drive (Doral)

SEI makes a kit to install a Mercruiser drive on the Cobra gimbal - that's another option

 

[Lou C]

Re: Remove OMC, Install Mercruiser or New engine/stern drive (Doral)

You've got a couple of options, one is to replace the engine and stick with the Cobra system if its in good shape still, the others are to use the SEI kit to install an Alpha on the Cobra gimble mount, or, if gimble and transom mount are not in good shape, convert the whole thing over to Merc when the engine is out. The last option is the most expensive and time consuming, but can give your 21 year old boat brand new mechanicals and then you don't have to worry about major repairs for a long time as long as its done right. If it were me, and the Cobra stuff was still OK, I'd replace the engine and keep the Cobra stuff until it needed replacement. If the transom mount is in good shape and the Cobra blows up on you, then the SEI swap makes sense. You can do it all at once, or in stages as budget allows. Now if I was doing a new engine, and I happened to come across a well priced Merc Alpha gimble/transom mount and Alpha drive, I'd probably consider removing all the Cobra stuff when the engine was out and starting new.

 

[klab010]

Re: Remove OMC, Install Mercruiser or New engine/stern drive (Doral)

You've got a couple of options, one is to replace the engine and stick with the Cobra system if its in good shape still, the others are to use the SEI kit to install an Alpha on the Cobra gimble mount, or, if gimble and transom mount are not in good shape, convert the whole thing over to Merc when the engine is out. The last option is the most expensive and time consuming, but can give your 21 year old boat brand new mechanicals and then you don't have to worry about major repairs for a long time as long as its done right. If it were me, and the Cobra stuff was still OK, I'd replace the engine and keep the Cobra stuff until it needed replacement. If the transom mount is in good shape and the Cobra blows up on you, then the SEI swap makes sense. You can do it all at once, or in stages as budget allows. Now if I was doing a new engine, and I happened to come across a well priced Merc Alpha gimble/transom mount and Alpha drive, I'd probably consider removing all the Cobra stuff when the engine was out and starting new.

Much apprciated. thanks for the advice guys. I know the entire replacement will be expensive, but like you say I would not need to worry about mechanicals for a long time. I think the fuel efficiency would be worth it in the long run too. I would like to go on long trips without the worry of breakdown. Thanks again!
Kev

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: Remove OMC, Install Mercruiser or New engine/stern drive (Doral)

Might also be worth looking into doing it as a 350 V8 (260 hp) They were optional on the Cavaliers, but if you stick with the 4.3 V6, make sure to get the 4bbl version. When I was searching for my Doral, the 350 was on the 'must have' list, but, when I came across the Cavalier that I got, from the original owners, boat house kept and all the paperwork from the day it was launched (they paid $50,000 in '89) It has every option offered, EXCEPT the V8, but I've grown to like and actually prefer the V6 as it moves out real nice and is awesome on fuel. Judging by the hours on yours, they last a long time too.

 

[klab010]

Re: Remove OMC, Install Mercruiser or New engine/stern drive (Doral)

I will plan for a complete replacement of the stern drive and engine in 2012. Even if it costs $6-7 grand, I can sell the used motor for $1500-2000. I like to think I am being proactive and have this replaced before it breaks down in the middle of the lake on me. I want to go on long tours one day and not worry about that happening. I will start looking for a Merc/Alpha drive this year. Thanks All!