Would you buy a boat with a1995 era OMC Cobra Stern Drive?

[schud]

I'm a newb! I don't mean to start any kind of flame war here either! <br /><br />I have located a boat in my price range with a 1995 era OMC Cobra SX outdrive. I have read that the the I\O division of OMC never was revived by another company after the liquidation. If this is true, how do all the OMC owners around here get support for parts and such? Do you have to settle with salvage parts now?<br /><br />In my area of the country, it appears that MerCruiser has sold 20 (or more) to 1 OMC. Experience with OMC by the local mechanics is another concern (even though they will all tell you they can work on anything!) .<br /><br />As a first time owner who doesn't want to have problems with parts and service, should I just pass this OMC unit by?<br /><br />I would appreciate knowing more about the current status of OMC Outdrive support.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Would you buy a boat with a1995 era OMC Cobra Stern Drive?

If mechanics isn't your bag and you cannot get an OMC mechanic, let it pass. I like my OMC Cobra, but I can do the backyard mechanic thing and I have a reputable OMC service place for parts and service.

 

[badass]

Re: Would you buy a boat with a1995 era OMC Cobra Stern Drive?

omc stern drive parts are still available as far as technical or warranty support from omc its non exsistant. but omc aka. bombardier still produces stern drive parts and plenty of aftermarket companies produce them as well. as far as finding a good mechanic any mercruiser or volvo penta mechanic should be very familiar with the cobra. especially seeing omc and volvo had a joint venture during the 90s and many of the parts are interchangeable ie volvo duoprop drives...as far as your local backyard mechanic stay far away. before your purchase have a certified mechanic go over the engine and drive, a compression check is a must. good luck

 

[schud]

Re: Would you buy a boat with a1995 era OMC Cobra Stern Drive?

Thanks for the quick replies everyone!<br /><br />I did not realize that Bombadier was making aftermarket parts for the OMC units. I thought I had read that Volvo bought the OMC plants, and that the rest of it got dropped. That's good news that there's still a source of new parts available!<br /><br />Are there any specific suggestions on what I should ask a mechanic to inspect on the drive unit? And how much time would you guestimate that it would take for a mechanic to make those inspections(ie. $)?

 

[badass]

Re: Would you buy a boat with a1995 era OMC Cobra Stern Drive?

a good mechanic should run the engine to operating temp. inspect belts hoses fluids etc., transom assy. should be inspected bellows shift cable. drive removed to check u-joint area for water intrusion. gear oil checked for signs of metal or water. as i said compression check is a must. engine exhaust manifolds and elbows should be inspected and before purchase a test run wouldn't be a bad idea

 

[Mercathode]

Re: Would you buy a boat with a1995 era OMC Cobra Stern Drive?

Schud <br />The 95 OMC unit is carbon copy of the Volvo Unit which is still in production. OMC donated the lower units Volvo donated their cone clutch which created the SX drive. I have a 95 model which has 600hrs and no problems.