1987 Dixie 821 4.3

[Hent]

Hi guys,

New to the forum.

I'm looking at getting a 1987 Dixie 821 I/O 4.3 - Cuddy Cabin, I guess?

I'm brand new to boats, and boating, so if I use some improper terminology, go ahead and correct me

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find much about these boats on the internet, other then people asking "Where can I find info on these?"

The boat is in overall decent shape, needs some maintenance, here and there.

Over the weekend, we had it out in the river after just dewinterizing it, and it fired up and ran nice and smoothly.

The only thing that seemed to be a problem was with the throttle linkage. It was a bit tight, especially going into reverse so we sprayed some lube on the linkage (in the engine compartment) and it seemed to free it up. I'm guessing this has something to do with it sitting all winter?

My only concern with it is that the "interrupter switch" had to be disconnected for it to go into gear, otherwise it stalled the motor.

Is this something to be concerned about? Or is it just a matter of an improperly adjusted cable? How hard is this to replace? I'm pretty capable, and have quite a few tools.

Also, what would you guys consider a "fair" asking price on one of these? I'm in PA. I told him I'd trade him a truck for it, and want to make sure I'm not getting the shaft here.

Thanks for any replies.

Hent

 

[Hent]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

Also, I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about, but if I confused you, here is a pic.

When the "microswitch" gets to the top or bottom of the V - depending on reverse or forward, is when the motor stalls out.

Also, is it bad if this has been run without the switch? What damage could possibly be done?

I think I'm done now!

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard Hent,..

Is that an OMC motor,+ drive,..??

OMC has been Out of Business for over 10 Years,...
Parts,+ Talent is getting harder to find for OMCs...

I'd just Pass on the Deal,... It's already got Serious Issues.....

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

hey hent,

ive got a 1994 dixie v-19 with 4.3

the only good thing about this boat is the motor.

Do i like mine- yes

would i recommend it to someone- no

but also mine was neglected in its earlier years so it may have had potential before i received it.

good luck. Make sure to check the all flooring is solid.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

i am moving you the I/O forum, as your question is engine and outdrive.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

My only concern with it is that the "interrupter switch" had to be disconnected for it to go into gear, otherwise it stalled the motor.

DO NOT run it like that. Or you will break something else.
There is about a 99% chance you need a lower shift cable, or something else is binding causing it to stall. Fix the problem, all you did was stop it from dieing, of course you won't be able to get it out of gear when the boat is in the water, and you will probably end up destroying your control or drive in the process.

 

[Hent]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

Yes, it is an OMC outdrive.

The boat did go in and out of gear just fine with the switch bypassed. Overall, it seemed to operate pretty well, I just had my concerns about having to bypass the switch.

Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

The boat did go in and out of gear just fine with the switch bypassed.

They will shift fine OUT of the water on muffs.

Put it IN the water with resistance from the prop and you have a new ball game.

 

[Hent]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

Don, thanks for the reply.

It seemed to shift fine, with the muffs on, and in the river.

The only thing is we didnt try to hook it back up in the water, once we were there...

I guess now my question is, what could have been damaged from running it with this switch bypassed, and approximately how much $ & time is it to get a new cable put in?

 

[Hent]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

I talked to a guy at the local boat place, and he said he's 99% sure that it's the lower cable.

He said probably around $300 or so on the labor, + the part. Does this sound like a fair price?

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

The only problem is that it is an OMC drive. They have been out of business for a long time.... Parts are expensive and people who know what they are doing with them cost more...

 

[Hent]

Re: 1987 Dixie 821 4.3

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to pass on this boat.