1996 Seaswirl OMC???

[RCSConstruction]

Was Seaswirl owned by OMC and did they come with Volvo penta outdrives?
Why would an OMC company have Volvo installed?
When was the last year OMC was installed on new boats?
Any comments on Seaswirl boats in general?
Thank you

 

[RCSConstruction]

Re: 1996 Seaswirl OMC???

So I see that OMC was bought by Volvo P.
I guess my question would be in 1996 was OMC an option or was volvo-penta the option on a 1996 Seaswirl 20' bow rider. Was there a crossover year where volvo-penta is less desirable?
Thank you

 

[johnbo]

Re: 1996 Seaswirl OMC???

Hi,

My 1996 Seaswirl has the same package, an OMC labeled outdrive with a V/P labeled motor. I bought a set of V/P shop manuals off of eBay. I've found that the OMC Cobra outdrive is nothing but a V/P SX with a different badge and a dark grey paint job.

I've never found a difference between my drive and the diagrams for my model (NC model). I have found a lot of errors on the OMC diagrams for the same thing.

I've been very happy with the package, parts are available readily from the local dealers, mail order and eBay.

I bought the boat in January last year, totally unaware (dumb! ) of the OMC issue. Once I bought it, I started researching what I had bought. I paniced reading all of the stories and OMC supply issues. Once a knowledgeable person or two on this board straightened me out, I was much happier.

What I've been told is that in the final year ('96), OMC had all but folded up, but to honor existing contracts with boat builders, they just relabeled V/P SX drives. Seems to match up with what I've seen.

I hope that this helps,

johnbo

-------
John D. Bowne
Cornelius, OR

'96 SeaSwirl 201 BR
4.3L Volvo/Penta GL (NC) -- OMC Cobra (a.k.a. Volvo/Penta SX)

 

[johnbo]

Re: 1996 Seaswirl OMC???

Hmm, I just reread your post and realized that I didn't do a good job of answering it.

I don't believe that they (SeaSwirl) was ever owned by OMC, I think that they had a partnership or marketing relationship with OMC.

SeaSwirl is kind of a local boat builder (central Oregon) and has always had a good solid reputation, although I think a lot of that reputation comes from their Stripers and more bluewater capable boats.

I'm very happy with the build quality of mine, even at 10 years old.

Later,

johnbo