helping newbie with terminology?

[imported_KLR]

I am fairly new to boating and was hoping some of you could answer a few questions for me.

1. What is "OMC"? A brand name or type of boat?

2. what runs a boat speedometer and can I get a replacement "thingie" that goes to the speedo that hangs of the back of the boat?

3. I just bought a 1973 "Thunderbird" . I am thinking that is the model of the boat and not the manufacturer?
If so does anyone know who make them? Its a 16' trihull with a HUGE center hull and 2 small sharp outer ridges.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

1...OMC Outboard Motor Corporation They are the makers of an old style Inboard outboard drive system and Johnson and Evinrude outboard engines.....NO LONGER in BUSSINESS,,,,Stay away from them.:%

2...They are called pitot tubes,,,,they supply water pressure to the speed-o-meter that has been produced by hanging in the water,,,,,As you move faster pressure increases and the speed-o reads accordingly

3...Thunderbird is a manufacturer,,,,,They also produce the popular Formula performance boats.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

Well avoid OMC outdrives but the outboards are now BRP (Bombardier).

Yes replacement Pitot and related parts are available.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

No need to avoid Johnson/Evinrude outboards. Parts are and will be available both from the manufacturer and the aftermarket. The new E-tec engines are excellent motors.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

Those old OMC Evinrudes and Johnson (NOT the junk outdrives) outboards are the ONLY outboards I will ever own until I die. And thats from 50 years of boating trying to figure out whats good. Parts available for 50+ years old motors.

 

[AJ168]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

Old JohnnyRudes never die. Best built motors I've ever seen. How many other brand motors do you still see working and in regular use that are 50+ years old? My oldest is a 1964 and I can get any part that I want from my Johnson/Evinrude dealer.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

i know many people with the johhny rudes from the early 50'. i'm one.

 

[imported_KLR]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

Thanks guys,

I already bought this boat with a 65 HP Johnson on it so In guess I'll keep it.

Since I cant get it to run I guess thats a bad start. :%

 

[Scaaty]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

No, thats a good start. A boat is either broke, or going to break. So you can start on the ground floor. Just do one thing at a time, post ANY questions here (one a a time), and the people here can walk ya through anything,. First, get a good manual for it. Can you tell the year? Then start a NEW POST, with one question at a time..

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

1...OMC Outboard Motor Corporation They are the makers of an old style Inboard outboard drive system and Johnson and Evinrude outboard engines.....NO LONGER in BUSSINESS,,,,Stay away from them.:%

Let me clear up what I was really trying to say,,,,Stay away from the OMC I/O drive systems. And like everyone else has stated the Johnson and Evinrude outboard motors are die hards.

 

[KRS]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

A pitot tube will cost $7-12 dollars, depending on where you buy it. An easy first repair.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: helping newbie with terminology?

Hi KLR...

You've got a great boat (IMHO)......:|:|

Mine is a 1978 Thunderbird...with a 85 HP Merc on it. I rescued it last year when a friend gave it to me. It had been sitting un-used and very much un-loved for over 20 years.


I'm getting a lot of fun out of it.

Are you old enough to remember the TV show "Flipper" ? It was filmed using T-bird boats exclusively. They were quite the rage back then.

Maybe we will chat further... Post a pic of your boat if you want...I'd like to see it.

Thanks for reading, Chuck