Pre-purchase tests

[b00tstrap]

I am looking at a 1990 Bayliner 2050 w/ a 4.3 OMC. I've been searching for a list of things to check out. I am very mechanically inclined and have good electrical knowledge as well. The area I am struggling with most the outdrive. Any ideas?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Pre-purchase tests

Merc/Volvo/OMC I/O forum.

 

[spartanpele]

Re: Pre-purchase tests

Hmm...personally, I'd skip it. If the clutch cables are adjusted right, the dog clutches are fine, but, if they're out of whack a bit...good luck. In 1993 Volvo Penta bought OMC and their outdrives from 1993 on were the cone clutch style which are vastly improved and very reliable.

But if you're hell bent on checking it out anyway, a couple words of advise. Muffs and water tests. Be sure the engine starts easily when cold, warms up fine, doesn't over heat, shifts without problems. When on the water, keep an eye on the temperature guage. Go through the rpms, shut it off, restart it up, etc.

As for the outdrive, check the drive fluid, look for cracks in the skeg/lower and upper unit. Be sure the tilt/trim works freely, steering doesn't bind, etc. Ask the owner for receipts of winterization that should include lubing the ujoints and gimbal bearing plus changing the drive oil, checking the bellows for leaks, etc. If he doesn't have receipts, ask him where he serviced it and talk with the shops mechanic on the boat.

Good luck...!!

 

[javsam]

Re: Pre-purchase tests

good question, I bought my boat boat with an omc cobra outdrive,and had I been a little more experienced I would have follwed the red shift cable back under the out drive to check for a bad cable housing where it goes into the out drive.this cost me 400 to replace the cable from an experienced omc mechanic.I have been very happy with the boat and can tell you they are very good outdrives. and ditto what spartanpele says.
javsam

 

[bamadave]

Re: Pre-purchase tests

Bootstrap, do yourself a favor, unless you are very familiar with this boat, engine and drive, take it to a qualified shop and have it inspected. I will go out on the limb and say this will be a family boat. The last thing you want is your wife and kids on your a$$ because you are stranded on the water and then find you need mega bucks worth of repairs.
We read about it here ALL THE TIME. A decent marine survey should be around $200 or so. Well worth it if you don't know what to look for. Easy to buy a hole in the water but harder to keep the hole from swallowing you. My 2 cents.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Pre-purchase tests

Just my Opinion, but I would pass on ANY OMC outdrive. Period...end of story...thats it...there aint no more....

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Pre-purchase tests

I have an 1988 Bayliner with 5.0 L OMC. The set up you mentioned has potential problems but so would any 16 year old boat. How much history of the boat can you get? How was it treated? Garaged? If there are ANY soft spots in the deck, then count on some repair problems. As for Scatty the Salty Dog's comments, this has been rehashed to death. I don't have a problem with OMC but I own one. If you can find a similar boat with another power configuration then it may be a better investment, but I'd take a well maintained OMC over any other brand that was not well maintained.

 

[Don S]

Re: Pre-purchase tests

OMC went out of the sterndrive buisness 10 years ago. They (OMC) doesn't exist anymore. Trained techs that can fix them, if you can't, are also becoming few and far between.
At least find a boat the the drive manufacturer still exists and sells parts for , or you will be spending a lot of time and money looking for parts and mechanics.