OMC for free

[pete s]

I have recently got into boating and love it. I currently have an 85 Starcraft open bow with a Mercruiser 120. I spend most of my time on lake Michigan and have found the open bow not to be the best in larger seas and am looking to go larger/closed bow.
Here is my question I can get a very nice condition 1967 SS195 for free but it has an OMC stringer with a 3.8 liter that needs the ball gear replaced. I am wondering if fixing the OMC is the way to go or if I should use my starcraft as donor and swap the omc out for mercruiser. I realize this is a huge project and will involve transom work. I am an ASE Master mechanic so I have a decent mechanical aptitude and plenty of tools. Just looking for some opinions.

thanks
Pete

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC for free

1986 was the last year OMC stringer drives were manufactured.
1998 was the last year OMC Sterndrive division was in buisness. No more factory trained techs for OMC products or OEM parts.
Many of the major parts of the stringer system, such as everything aft of the engine are non existant except finding a used part on ebay or something and hoping for the best. Most internal parts are available for the drive as aftermarket some are very expensive. Finding someone with all the special tools requiered to rebuild a drive is even tougher to find.
Many have them in working order and enjoy them, but if yours isn't working, (free boats don't work) it's not going to be any fun at all.
The 3.8 was not very common.
If the boat is in good shape, and you want to put your Mercruiser in it, then you would have to fill the hole in the transom and make the transom thicker,, and possibly change some stringers for motor mounts.
Free boats are the most expensive boats you can own.

 

[mkast]

Re: OMC for free

I am an ASE Master mechanic

You get a free Yugo, it's not running.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: OMC for free

Get the free boat, sell 'em both and buy what you need in a boat, 1990 or newer. 'nutcase

 

[pete s]

Re: OMC for free

Well against my better judgement and it seems everyone else here I am gong to fix the OMC and see what happens. I am gong to put a kicker on the boat so at least I have some insurance. I have read some past posts but what is the biggest issue with an OMC? Parts seem available aftermarket which doesn't bother me to use. Are they OK if they are maintained proper?

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC for free

Parts seem available aftermarket which doesn't bother me to use.

Ayuh,... For a 1967,..??..??

I believe that would also make it the Electric shift Stringer.... The Worst or the Worse...

 

[grahamh]

Re: OMC for free

Since I have a 1974 IMP with an OMC, I can give you some feedback.

Mine works properly, but it's honestly still not as good as a Mercruiser. My biggest complaint is that you can't adjust the tilt/trim like you would on the Merc. This is a problem if you regularly navigate shallow waters like I do. You CAN lift up the drive, but you risk damaging the ball gears if you do.

The only positive of the OMC is that the turning radius is very good, but in reality this doesn't make a difference out on the water.

The biggest drawback, like others have pointed out, is that parts availability sucks. You said you found aftermarket sources for parts, please share them!! I haven't even been able to find a new prop for mine, only used EBAY ones.

The other big think I don't like about my OMC is the giant hole in the transom, sealed only by a big rubber skirt thingy (I'm sure there's a technical name) I just don't like the idea of such a big hole in the back of the boat.

Anyway, hope this helps you a little.

 

[pete s]

Re: OMC for free

Thanks for the little ray of sunshine on the OMC. I stand corrected for the old unit parts are non existent. Does anyone know if a newer outdrive say late 70s would be a bolt on in place of the 67?

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC for free

Thanks for the little ray of sunshine on the OMC. I stand corrected for the old unit parts are non existent. Does anyone know if a newer outdrive say late 70s would be a bolt on in place of the 67?

And the search for old used parts is on.
You are going to learn all about ebay, craigslist, news papers, searching every forum on the internet, etc. etc. etc.