helpful info on OMC i/o

[reddog80]

I am looking to find out so more information on an OMC i/o in a 1987 Bayliner Ciera 2150. I have not seen the boat yet but would imagine it is the original motor. What size motor did they use in that particular year and model? Is OMC manufactured by someone else (i.e GM or Ford)? Any notable major problems with this year? Owner says last used approx 2 years ago w/ no problems, besides the obvious, anything major to check on this model? Any other helpful tips?

 

[mthieme]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

Welcome aboard.
You're going to get a slew of posts telling to run away just because it's OMC. A later OMC setup such as this would not deter me personally.
Basically, it's a Chevy motor - maybe a Ford (doubtful). Could be a 4 cylinder, could be a 305 V8. I've never seen one with a 4.3 V6, but I suppose it is a possibility. This is a question for the owner. There are a plethora of things to look for any 22 y.o. boat.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

Welcome aboard !

You didn't give enough info. We need a pic of the motor and the drive to tell you everything you want to know. And the year is in the grey area between 2 different series of drives.

But as already posted you don't have money in this yet, my humble opinion stay away.

You will have to be a mechanic with extensive knowledge, and time, not to mention money to get involved with this one.

Good luck and keep looking.

 

[Don S]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

Anymore, OMC stands for Obsolete Marine Corporation instead of Outboard Marine Corp. Mostly because they went out of buisness over 10 years ago, no more factory OEM parts, or trained techs.
OMC, like Mercruiser and Volvo used both GM and Ford engines. OMC used a lot of Fords in the mid to late 80's but you have to find out from the owner what exactly is in it.
There were problems in the early years of the Cobra drive with gears and cables, but those would have been fixed by now or it wouldn't be working.
DO NOT buy any boat without taking if for a ride, too many people say it ran fine 2 years ago only to find out it will cost thousands to fix it up enough to use it. At least run it on muffs and see if the engine runs and the gears shift and it doesn't overheat.

 

[reddog80]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

Thanks for the reply. I've been around the water my entire life but have never owned my own boat. This oportunity arose with the owner wanting to get rid of the boat ASAP because of the loss of his spouse and financial hardship. I could get the boat and trailer for under 1K. I just drove over to look at it and the boat is inside a locked fence, couldn't tell much, boat definately needs some TLC and trailer didn't look bad. Owner sent me some pics which I've attached. Hopefully I can meet with him and hear it run on Fri. I am looking for a project but don't want to bite off more than I can chew at the same time. I am hoping to find a boat that can give me and the family a few seasons of casual boating.

 

[Don S]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

It's a 140 Chevy engine with the Cobra outdrive.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

it's a 140 hp 4 banger with a cobra drive. Not alot of hp for that size boat but will probably push it maybe 30-35 mph maybe. With the right prop.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

that's a huge boat for that tiny motor. I had a 20' Capri with a 3.0. It was painful.
That Ciera must weigh 1000 pounds more.
poor little motor....

 

[Bondo]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

Ayuh,...

And search the hull, Very Closely for Rotten Wood.......

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

just noticed it has trim tabs - probably the only way to get it on plane.

$1000 for that boat seems like a lot of money.
the way it's stored with no cover and a trashed interior...
Odds are pretty good the floor and stringers and foam are all done for.

If it runs ok and landfill tipping fees are reasonable in your area, it might be a good boat to offer $400 (if the tires are good) and take it home and part it out....

 

[Lou C]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

Honestly unless you are VERY handy and don't mind learning how to fix the kind of problems that 20+ year old boat have (rotted wood, in the decks, stringers, transom,etc) and chasing parts for the Cobra (not so bad, I've kept mine going for a long time without a whole lotta trouble) I'd pass on it. If you want to go boating, go look for a 3-5 year old boat with either a Merc or Volvo, whichever has better dealer support in your area. Boating is not something that can be done easily on the cheap...unless you are really handy, have time, space to work and patience. Plus that boat needs at minimum a 4.3 V-6 with a 4 bbl carb, it's way underpowered with the 3.0 4 cyl. Just trying to save you some trouble.....rot....OMC....I've been there....done that.....life's too short......

BTW the trailer looks too small for the boat...got one of those too....made it work with a longer tongue, roller bars and new axle/springs/brakes....learned all about rebuilding salt water trailers.....and learned enough to say next time I get a new one!

 

[s1120]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

Well I dont know anything about the OMC's, but MAN that is going to be one underpowerd pig of a boat!!! Im suprised they offerd that engine in a boat that big.

 

[mthieme]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

I've seen a 4 lunger in bigger - not much though.

 

[reddog80]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

Thanks for all the help. I'm gonna pass on this one and keep searching.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: helpful info on OMC i/o

Very wise reddog.