Should I buy an OMC I/O??

[jstamatov]

I'm contemplating a purchase of an 87 wellcraft with a 4.3l v-6 omc/cobra outdrive. The boat is owned by my auto mechanic, and it has been maintained in perfect condition, always winterized, and stored out of water/indoors when not in use.<br /><br />It's a the perfect boat for me, and I know exactly what i'm getting. However, I've been reading some of the other forum letters, and now i'm concerned about the omc issue. I called a local dealer and he said parts/service are not a problem.<br /><br />Advice is welcome!!!! I'm thinking the devil you know is better than the devil you don't!!

 

[Trent]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

If it were me...NO<br /><br />Some of the parts are hard to get or VERY pricee!!! (outdrive)

 

[denniz]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

Arent ALL OUTDRIVE parts pricy? I wouldnt be afraid of buying a cobra for a second unless you have a real idiot for a mechanic. Id rather buy a cobra than I would a FICHT (outboard) If its the perfect boat for you dont worry about the engine package, worry about the guy who works on it.

 

[jee70611]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

I agree with Rod Knocking on this one. The OMC Drives aren't bad as long as they have the updated red transom shift cable. Someone posted a link earlier on this board to a site with all the info on the Omc drives you should need to make your decision. The fact that Omc's drives had bad gears was a misconception. The gears went bad because the old shift cable. If it has the updated one you should be ok. <br /><br />PS: here is the link to one of the earlier posts.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=004032

 

[Chum Slick]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

That 4.3 V6 is a chevy engine and is a strong runner. I just sold my 21' cuddy with a 4.3 and other than being a little underpowered for the boat never had problems with engine or outdrive as long as you keep them maintained.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

If he is a good mechanic, then he will have at least one manual on the motor and outdrive to include in the deal. <br /><br />No manual - no deal - walk away.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

I'm on my 4th/5th OMC Cobra's now (twins), the last boat had a pair of 4.3's with one drive being counter rotating. If it's running good now chances are you shouldn't have a ny problems as long as you keep up the regular maint. Percentage wise there seems to be just as many Mercs in the shops as there are OMC's and parts still seem to be readily available. I'd go for it if the price is right and you are comfortable with your mechanic!

 

[Alrobot]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

I want to reply here but I am not sure what to say. I was warned not to buy OMC while I was looking for a boat. Wouldn't you know the boat I really liked had an OMC/Ford combo. Needless to say, I love my OMC, I have an awesome mechanic to draw knowledge from as well as fix what I can't. If you want to buy it, GO FOR IT... Don't buy something YOU aren't comfortable with. The only thing for sure is " If it has a skirt, tires, or propeller, there is gonna be problems, so get one YOU like."

 

[jstamatov]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

Thanks to all - this is a great forum. I look forward to learning and participating, etc. in the future as I delve into boating, of course much to the dismay and consternation of you know who......, my wife!

 

[denniz]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

JUST PUT YOUR FOOTDOWN!!!!!! just not where she can see it.. HAHA***

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

Having an "aout mechanic" as the prior owner may only attest to the maintenance. I would still have it checked out by a marine mechanic. We are nearing the close of the regular season and bargains will be popping up all over.<br /><br />Your wallet, your choice.<br /><br />Bob

 

[denniz]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

good advice Bob, its worth the $70.00 or so to have it looked at by a pro. usually a visual inspection will show things you may be overlooking as a novice.

 

[louc]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

I've wondered abut this as well, I have asked a few marine dealers in my area if parts and service is still available and most have said yes, only one was negative on this. So far it runs and shifts well, but I have wondered if it is at all possible to convert it to another drive (wasn't the Cobra based on an older Volvo design, OMC used after the Volvo patents expired??) It's probably not economically feasable, since so much of the OMC stuffwould have to be replaced. Still, I'd like to know if anyone has done this.

 

[PeeWee]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

http:www.funkopolis.com:8080/~stuart/cobra/ is the cobra site

 

[sundancer]

Re: Should I buy an OMC I/O??

Omc Cobra Is a outstanding outdrive. Strong & dependable. Pull the Grease Plug ( Where you put Lower end Lube IN ) If there is any WATER in it, BeWARE. This should be done on any Outdrive. Have fun Boating. have Grease Fittings done at the begining of every Boating season. You will have many care free years on this outdrive.