Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

jhiggins · Jan 25, 2006

Hi, First timer here so forgive me if dumb question. I am thinking of buying a Bayliner with the above 230HP V8 engine in it. What sort of fuel consumption can I realistically expect? Also, is there lots of maintenence involved - should I just buy a diesel? It will be only occasional use - about 6 weeks per year spread out 6-8 weeks apart. Hope you can help.. Hank.

Mischief Managed · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Figure .08 US gallons of petrol per hour per HP. At WOT, you are looking at 18.4 US gallons per hour to make 230 HP. That's 15.32 UK gallons per hour. Odds are good you'll need quite a bit less than 230 HP to "cruise" so plan for 6 to 8 UK GPH at cruising speed. The MPG really depends on the boat size and speed.

jhiggins · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Thanks very much for the speedy reply. So averaging about 15 gallons per hour. Not as bad as I thought but still scary. I'm assuming it's all about how much oomf you give it then!? Again sounding dumb, what is WOT? Also, are they reliable and or easy/expensive to maintain? Cheers again Hank.

Haut Medoc · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Wot means wide open throttle......I would not buy a boat with a OMC drive package.....Omc has been out of business for more than 10 years.....Parts & service are/will become more & more difficult to locate.....Look for something with a mercruiser or volvo drive, your wallet will thank you for it

BTW, welcome to the forum at iboats

......JK

murphini · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Hankster: I have a 1989 20' boat with OMC outdrive and 5.0 litre V8 (Ford). I figure it averages around 5-6 gallons per hour to operate when I am pulling the kids on a wakeboard, lots of acceleration and pulling. On other crusing days, probably 3-4 gallons per hour just crusing around. I don't go WOT (Wide Open Throttle) very often. Agreed on the "don't by OMC" if you can help it. I got a great deal, and I have been lucky, but I feel like the Sword of Damoclese (sp?) is hanging over my head. When something major goes wrong with the Outdrive, the boat will probably not be worth repairing.... Good luck

jhiggins · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Thank you chaps. Well, the OMC route sounds a bit flaky doesn't it! OK - here's the thing. I have the chance to buy a 1988 Bayliner Ciera 2455 with all the trimmings. Very clean and completely reupholstered (in and out) 10 months ago. He needs to sell and would take significantly less that £9k Sterling, which I thought was a bargain. (or am mad). So, is it possible/feasible, and what sort of cost, to shoe-horn in a decenmt diesel lump and drive system? I though at that money, if is cost a few thousand in fuel for a couple of seasons it's still cheap. However, from what I've gathered - it's only cheap 'til it goes wrong!! I can't get to the boat that often, so would be gutted to have in in repair in my main 2 week vacation!! Any thoughts? Hank.

Haut Medoc · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Not to be a Bayliner basher, but......Approx. 18K U.S. (if I am reading it right) for a Bayliner/OMC combo that is 18 years old? I'm sorry, I would keep on looking......The sort of repower that you are talking about has to be more than 10K U.S.....That boat is not worth putting that kind of money into...I am sure that others will feel differently, but this is MHO....As I said before, keep looking....Your wallet will love you for it later.....JK

jhiggins · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Good feedback - thanks. Maybe they are more expensive over here (we get ripped off on just about everything else too!) There's a 1996 one here just sold for £26k Sterling! So, if you had about £15-20k sterling and wanted a a minimum 21ft cruiser with at least 2 berths & fridge etc. - what should I go for? I want quite a 'social' boat. It's to moor next to my holiday apartment in the Algarve, Portugal. I get there say 6 odd weeks a year - and it will be mainly coastal crusing, maybe some fishing, day trips etc. with friends. All there seems to be is Sea Rays, Bayliners, occasional Failrline, Falcon and a nice spec Carver Montego diesel (29ft) which is prob my favourite so far - but almost £26,000. Any thoughts genuinely welcomed.. do I have to spend more, should I buy it in Europe and shall I just get something smaller but newer. What am I letting myself in for here! Hank.

Lou C · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

I'd go as new as you can reasonably afford. Make sure you can get service on it were you are. If in salt water, consider an outboard instead of an IO, unless you can get a newer boat with the Volvo composite drive. I've had good service from my OMC but who knows how long you will be able to get parts. The OMC Cobra can be converted to a Volvo SX, but it is pricey to do so. If you can find a straight inboard with a diesel, that's probably the best for salt water use at Euro fuel prices.

Belchy · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Looked into pricing out a conversion from the OMC Cobra to the Volvo SX, and was quoted from the Volvo reps themselves that it would be about 6500 bucks. Just thought I would at that little tid bit!! But I have run OMC's for a while, and my only complaint with this is rough/stiff shifting. Belchy

HT32BSX115 · Jan 25, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

There is a fix for hard shifting. you probably know about the "transom shift cable" problem from long ago. If they are adjusted properly they shift pretty good. If it's a late Cobra you're probably ok for another 10 years or so...lot's of parts out there....if it's an old Stringer....well there's people out there that won't even touch a Cobra!(they must bite or something!) Can someone tell me if it's true that one can replace a Cobra with a Volvo Penta with little modifications? (I have even heard that the Volvo (SX?)out drive will bolt right up to a Cobra gimble...is this also true?) As for repowering with a diesel......be prepared to refinance your house! It would cost a fortune. Regards, Rick Western WA

Originally posted by Belchy: Looked into pricing out a conversion from the OMC Cobra to the Volvo SX, and was quoted from the Volvo reps themselves that it would be about 6500 bucks. Just thought I would at that little tid bit!! But I have run OMC's for a while, and my only complaint with this is rough/stiff shifting. Belchy

Mischief Managed · Jan 26, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Originally posted by Mr Hankster: Good feedback - thanks. Maybe they are more expensive over here (we get ripped off on just about everything else too!) There's a 1996 one here just sold for £26k Sterling! So, if you had about £15-20k sterling and wanted a a minimum 21ft cruiser with at least 2 berths & fridge etc. - what should I go for? I want quite a 'social' boat. It's to moor next to my holiday apartment in the Algarve, Portugal. I get there say 6 odd weeks a year - and it will be mainly coastal crusing, maybe some fishing, day trips etc. with friends. All there seems to be is Sea Rays, Bayliners, occasional Failrline, Falcon and a nice spec Carver Montego diesel (29ft) which is prob my favourite so far - but almost £26,000. Any thoughts genuinely welcomed.. do I have to spend more, should I buy it in Europe and shall I just get something smaller but newer. What am I letting myself in for here! Hank.

I think an outboard powered 21' to 23' walk around cuddy would be an excellent choice for this need. You can tilt the outboard up out of the water when it's not in use which keeps it pristine. They are far more "salty" than a typical stern drive pocket cruiser. Don't know what's sold in Europe but over here we have Grady White, Aqua Sport, Pro Line, Trophy, Polar, Parker, and many others to choose from. On the east coast here in the US, the market for these is huge. Some examples of the genre:

jhiggins · Jan 26, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

Thanks very much for the advice and feedback chaps - all gratefully received. Hank.

llerrad · Jan 27, 2006

Re: Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

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Fuel Consumption OMC Cobra 230 HP V8 1988

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