OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

[Brijoe06]

I am currently shopping for our 1st boat. I have questions on which I should get. Hopefully someone out there can take the time and give me some pointers.

I am looking at a 1986 20' Seaswirl cuddy with a 4.3 OMC cobra....and a 1989 Ebko 20' cuddy with a 5.7 mercruiser. What are the pros and cons of the 2? Is Mercruiser so much better as to stay away from OMC?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[vipzach]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

Welcome to iboats!

My choice would be the mercruiser! OMC is out of business and parts are becoming harder to get. Merc parts are everywhere! That is the short and sweet answer.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

I would agree with vipzach. Black anchor before Cobra drive

I will tell you that the Cobra drive can be upgraded to the newer Volvo Penta SX drive system, although quite expensive. It's about 900 dollars for the transom shield kit and water pump assembly, and about 5 grand for a NEW drive. Labor runs about 2500 dollars.

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

Ayuh,........ Mercruisers are like a Chevy,........They're Everywhere,+ So are the Parts for them...........

OMCs are like an Edsel,................ Dead,+ Gone,....... No Factory Support,..... Just a Few Aftermarket parts available......

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

BRP does still have parts quite readily, but it's true they are no longer being made.

The problem becomes finding a marine mech that still works on them. I'm lucky, I have a shop which has bought up every single used OMC drives it could find and the mech is excellent and still fairly young. I also have a dealer that carries BRP (OMC)parts and I also know a great aftermarket supplier of OMC parts...and I am fairly mechanically abled...so it isn't an issue for me to have a Cobra drive.

However, I'd go for the Mercruiser too ...unless the price differential is really, really big between the two to cover a changeover IF ever it was needed.

 

[Brijoe06]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

Thank you for all your replies, I apreciate it.

Maybe I will keep looking. The boat with the cobra is in VERY good condition, owned by on old man since new. Where as the other boat I was looking at is in good condition, but not as good as the other.

Very frustrating...lol

 

[jfcar]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

If the Cobra is in good condition, I would not be afraid to buy it. Get a good manual, read it two times, do preventive maintenance and enjoy your boat. Parts are available from BoatFix and dougrussell.com to name two. Check out this web site to learn a lot about Cobras www.hastings.org/~stuart/corba
John

 

[murphini]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

I have 1989 OMC Cobra, and while the sword of damoclies is hanging over my head, it has been very solid over the 3 years and 130 hours I've put on it.

Preventative maintenance is key...

It also helps to cultivate the attitude that have fun while it lasta and you'd better get a really good deal because some day you may have to pull an "ole yeller" and put it down if/when there is a problem that is unfixable or financially unsound to fix.

All things equal, pick the Mercruiser.

If it's the right deal, and you accept the added issues, OMC can also work our well.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

Cobra is not a consideration . BRP is cranking up the prices on parts at an unbelievable rate.IF they still have it available.Aftermarket is coming in,but I get l leery about limited sources for parts.And quality.

While the Mercruiser looks better,here in New England an almost 20 year old boat will need work.Lots of stuff you can do,but parts are expensive.

It is not foolproof,but if you can step up to a 10 - 11 year old boat,you'll generally be better off.

DHP

 

[RC]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

Brijoe, I bought my 86 Four Winns 5 years ago. OMC Cobra outdrive has run perfectly. Just last month I had the shift cable replaced. That is the only repair I've had to do on the drive or engine since I've had it. I do run it frequently and do maintainance regularly. I wouldn't be afraid to buy it. When I had the shift cable replaced I talked to the mechanic about availability of OMC parts and what I've constantly read on these forums. He said he never has problems getting parts. I'm no expert but I trust this guy.

 

[calwldlif]

Re: OMC Cobra vs Mercruiser....new boater needs help

4.3<5.7