Ebbtide boat

[moons711]

just bought a 1987 ebbtide catilina with new engine, bumped from 5.0 to 5.7. i got what i thought was a pretty good deal $2,300. engine runs super but after reading some of the forum answers about the omc outdrive has me nervous. does the omc outdrive not hold up very well or is it the fact that getting parts for the outdrive is why so many people are saying to stay away from them?

thanks,
moons

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Ebbtide boat

Mainly the fact that OMC has been out of business for 17 years. Hence the name "Out of Business Marine Corporation".

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Ebbtide boat

Couple of things. OMC drives are OK as long as you can find someone to work on them and PROPERLY adjust the shift cables, and understand the consequences of not taking care of your drive. Read the attached link...it will explain why OMC's are reviled. Know if it breaks you'll either spend big money getting hard to find replacement parts, or replace it with an SEI drive. Get yourself an original copy of the service manual, not SELOC or CLYMER. Never under any circumstances allow anyone to unsrew the screw behind the cobra emblem on the sides of the drive.

http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Ebbtide boat

OMC drives are as good as any other. Keep the outdrive FULL of clean oil and the shift cable adjusted properly and you will have no problems.