from omc to mercruiser

[oh-u812?]

Currently we have an old 1984 3.0 omc stringer drive on a 16' hull we got it two seasons ago for $1000. It had a cracked jacket and a bad trim motor when I bought it. I patched the crack and replaced that trim motor and we've used the boat almost every weekend for nearly two seasons. Now I've found a 17.5' boat with a 1983 Mercruiser 140. It's been garage kept it's whole life. Covers and upholstery etc in very good condition. The lady that has it is recently widowed and lives about 300 miles away, she asking $2000 for it. So basically I'll have a short amount of time to look this thing over and see if its worth the investment. Am I correct in assuming that this thing performance wise will probably be the same as the stringer? Are parts for this thing going to be more readily available (cheaper) than the OMC? What major problems should I be looking for with this setup? Does this sound like a reasonable deal given no major mechanical problems? Should I just stick with my OMC that I've become so fond of wrenching on? Thanks in advance for input.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: from omc to mercruiser

you're basically looking for all the same things - fluids with water - engine with cracks internal or external, stringers, floor, transom, electrical etc etc, but yes most things outdrive related are cheaper to fix on the Merc. as well as steering and shifting remote control parts and cables.

That SEI drive is the convincing part for me - if I was shopping I'd tend to give more attention to the Mercs because of it, but I'm staying OMC now - I have enough spares to get to the end of my life with my boat. Plus, like you, I have fixed just about everything once and so I know how and can do most of it easily and cheaply due to spare inventory.

I still think the 82-85 mechanical shift stringers get a worse rap than they deserve. I think they are good drives - preferable to Cobra to me. I wouldn't get an electric or hydromech shift - but the mechanical shift model can be a good reliable drive if maintained.

Performance will be about the same as it has the same engine.

 

[KaGee]

Re: from omc to mercruiser

It's a used boat. I don't care what make, anything can go wrong. Especially one that has been stored. Boats like to be ran.

 

[oh-u812?]

Re: from omc to mercruiser

Thanks guys. Yeah, Kagee, I'd been thinking about that thing sitting around for an extended period of time. I wish I knew more about this thing, like when the last time it saw the water. At this point, I'm leaning towards not even wasting the trip up to look at it. I just don't know enough about it and don't think I'll be able to get it on the water before buying it.

 

[firehog6305]

Re: from omc to mercruiser

I just bought a boat that had been stored for ten years, same story husband died, wife stored boat, the good thing that it was stored indoors, after a boat has been stored for so long, there has to be plenty of worjk that has to be done, I knew this going into this project, thank god the engines *chev 305's and omc outdrives* were stored right *pickeled* although, I have had problems with both carbs, they had to be replaced, along with all fuel lines, and again, thank god that they took the time to drain out the fuel tank. seals and gaskets will be prone to leak after drying out for long periods, otherwise boat runs great, oh yeah, shift cables and throttle cables needed replacing too, they were not broke, but very stiff

 

[oh-u812?]

Re: from omc to mercruiser

Ok. I'm getting more info. It seems as though the engine was rebuilt in 95'. I'm trying to find out about the drive and how long this boat been sitting.

 

[QC]

Re: from omc to mercruiser

Also, all other things being equal, a 16 footer with a 140 will outperform a 17.5 footer with a 140 . . . It's horsepower to weight ratio stuff

 

[oh-u812?]

Re: from omc to mercruiser

I was gonna trade my wife in for a 20 year old to offset the additional foot and a half of weight :>)

 

[QC]

Re: from omc to mercruiser