Stringer, OMC parts and service

[teamhatc]

I have just embarked on a new project and I need opinions. I am a boat novice. I have just received a 1974 glasspar 17 foot boat that need some work. When I discussed this with a local marine shop they told me that it would be best for me to part out the boat and not restore it. The reason was my string out drive. The marine shop stated that parts for the stringer out drive are not longer made and very hard to come by. They also said that I could turn a pretty penny selling the out drive to someone whom needs it for parts. I think the engine is a V8 350 GM/OMC. I am currently working on getting the engine to turn over and ensure everything works. Do I restore the boat or part it out?

 

[gojayo]

Re: Stringer, OMC parts and service

The fact that you got the boat in the first place means that either you liked it or it was totally cheap. If the engine functions and it runs, I'd say keep it and enjoy it. If the outdrive (or anything else major) craps out...then parts ARE available, but it takes time to track them down and you will pay top dollar for the outdrive gears cables etc. But if like the shop said, if you use it for a while and then something breaks, you can part it out then for good money for the remaining parts.

If you're planning on using this boat offshore or for long distance trips...I'd likely not have bought it to begin with!

Good luck. Just my opinion of course. I've had many older OMC drives in boats and I've had very good luck with them all..except for the one I have NOW!

Jay

 

[jamyers]

Re: Stringer, OMC parts and service

From what little OMC parts-hunting I've done so far, this place has most everything available at reasonable prices. http://www.sterndrive.info/

If you're handy with wrenches, I'd prolly keep it. If you're going to pay somebody else to work on the OMC, then it can get expensive pretty quickly.

 

[jontoronto27]

Re: Stringer, OMC parts and service

The one saving grace to it is, people are parting out those things all over the place. And it's a great setup to learn on. My 78 stringer is the first I/O I've ever owned, and you'll be amazed how quickly you can pickup the lingo. I say if it runs, and runs half decent, enjoy it. By the time it ever needs a major repair, you will know then how much that repair will cost you and whether it will be worth it.