horizon opinions please

[kcolney]

first time boater here and have an opp to purchase a 93 230 horizon
with new (18) hrs 5.8l cobra engine and outdrive. Boat looks in great shape with trailer.

the question is the engine..reading about 100 posts on this site it seems that the cobra is the least desired engine for several reasons, or people just hate em.

anyone has experience with the cobra good or bad I would like to hear and get opinions.

had great advice from many on the merc 3.7 lx and decided to pass on a boat with those in it so Im really interested to get info on the cobra.

Is it just difficult to get parts for or is it a bum engine?

 

[njlarry]

Re: horizon opinions please

serial number and drive model?

 

[kcolney]

Re: horizon opinions please

have not had a chance to once over the boat as of yet only know that
its a 5.8 cobra, jasper rebuild with about 18-30 hours on it. Installed by marine outfit and has warranty left on it. i will know more after this weekend.

 

[njlarry]

Re: horizon opinions please

a '93 boat might have a '92 engine
engine model numbers are on the intake manifold or engine side.
volvo joint ventured with omc from '93 to 2000, the engines were painted charcoal black, a '93-94 has "MD" in the model number, a '94-95 has a "HU" in the model number. They had "Cobra SX" drives which are 100% volvo. You should have no fear with these. After 2000 volvo went back to red paint.
Others can give you more info about prior '93 omc engines.

 

[MikDee]

Re: horizon opinions please

IMO Cobra drives are not bad, and I had the early 1986 Cobra's,,, it just keeps getting harder to find parts, & people to work on them. I've heard the newer Volvo/Cobra's are even better.
By the way, the Horizon is a good boat!

 

[Lou C]

Re: horizon opinions please

I've got an 88 4.3 Cobra, and agree with what was said above, they are good drives but it's not easy to find a shop that will work on them and the parts will become harder to find, although Sierra makes a lot of aftermarket stuff for them. As an example, go on to Doug Russel's website, and look in the parts section, for the year of the drive unit and see how many parts are No Longer Available. They can be converted to a Volvo SX but it's pricey. Look for a newer one with a Volvo to start with.