Im going to look at a boat with a 302, and a OMC drive. I know almost nothing about OMC's. Any years I should avoid? What models used the 302? What should I look for? Any issues??
There are some OMC's Cobra's laying around that are in pristine condition and a 302 is great little V8, all depends on condition of the boat and your mechanical skills. But keep in mind what Don says in the post above.
The stringer drive is the one with the big rubber boot around the drive right?? I remember people told me to stay away from them back in the day, but I thought the cobras were OK. I also did not know they were out of biz. Its been about 10 years sence I was in the boat hobby, so I missed that.
There are some OMC's Cobra's laying around that are in pristine condition and a 302 is great little V8, all depends on condition of the boat and your mechanical skills. But keep in mind what Don says in the post above.
They are unless they break, then the problems begin. You MUST have a lot of expensive tools to rebuild one, or hope you can find a good used, or one rebuilt from maybe a long way away from you.
Other than the drive, everything else is NOT a problem.
Im going to look at a boat with a 302, and a OMC drive. I know almost nothing about OMC's. Any years I should avoid? What models used the 302? What should I look for? Any issues??
If you can get a killer deal on a boat with a solid Cobra drive and you're a mechanical guy with a local mechanic/marina who will fix them, you should be fine. That's what I did. Cobra driven boats are as reliable as anything else as long as they're maintained.
If you don't want the headache, like the guys said, get Volvo or Mercruiser.
