Replacing OMC Drive with what??

[Roadrager50]

Hello again you all seeing eyes of Iboats

I have 1977 OMC 190 electric shift outdrive. It is in a 1977 Thunderbird Signa 18. The transom appears to be made up of fiberglass. I was wondering how I can replace the outdrive with something comparable. I have read on here about replacing the transom and then cutting a new hole to accept the new outdrive, as I am pretty knowledgable about doing this, my problem is because my transom is fiberglass about 1/4 inch thick, how would you brainiacs ( and I mean this with utmost respect) suggest going about the project.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Replacing OMC Drive with what??

Hello again you all seeing eyes of Iboats

I have 1977 OMC 190 electric shift outdrive. It is in a 1977 Thunderbird Signa 18. The transom appears to be made up of fiberglass. I was wondering how I can replace the outdrive with something comparable. I have read on here about replacing the transom and then cutting a new hole to accept the new outdrive, as I am pretty knowledgable about doing this, my problem is because my transom is fiberglass about 1/4 inch thick, how would you brainiacs ( and I mean this with utmost respect) suggest going about the project.

Howdy,


It depends on what you mean by "comparable".

If you're going to replace it with another "Stringer?" drive you have. Just do it.

If you're going to replace it with something more in the "21st" century, you'll need to fiberglass a transom "thickener" in there.

I.E. rebuild the transom to match the thickness needed for the engine and drive you'll install.

This would probably require grinding the inside of the engine compartmentwhere needed to "scuff" the areas you would want to epoxy/fiberglass the new piece in....... to expose the stringers, build a new transom using a enough laminations of marine plywood to make up the thickness required and then glassing the entire mess into the back of the boat. You would also probably need to glass in the engine mount pads wehre they're needed.

Mercury has specific transom requirements, the OMC Cobra is similar.

A 1977 boat usually isn't worth the work and cost involved unless you want to be buried in it.......


Regards,



Rick

 

[chconger]

Re: Replacing OMC Drive with what??

A 1977 boat usually isn't worth the work and cost involved unless you want to be buried in it.......

That.... was the funnest thing I read today

 

[Roadrager50]

Re: Replacing OMC Drive with what??

Yeah I imagine it was pretty friggin' funny. I got a good laugh out of it too. I appreciate what you said HTX. I guess I will continue in the direction I am going now. Just remanufacture what I have and use while I look for something newer. The boat is not in to bad a shape and the price of $500 for boat and twin axle trailer wasn't to bad. Thanks for all the words of encouragement (LOL) I love this forum, cuz we can make jokes and still be kool with it.

Safe Boating
May your hull always see safe water

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Replacing OMC Drive with what??

That.... was the funnest thing I read today

Well, don't get me wrong! I LOVE the idea of restoring old boats using modern engines, drives, and other components! It's just that it's not worth it if you decide to sell it. I don't think my 1987 Four Winns Liberator is even worth what I could sell the engine and drive for. (even with the engine drive installed!!)

I am going to find out though! I'm thinking I would like to sell it for something like $7500-8500. But I don't think ANY 211 Liberator is worth anywhere near that much!

But a complete low time 454/Bravo III with all the fixin's IS probably worth that much!! And with labor/tax etc to install, it would probably come in at about $10,000!

Maybe I should just keep it!!!!!!!!!