New outdrive, keep boat or "newer" used boat??

[aJohn79]

this is a follow up to this thread,
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=251629

In a nutshell, the shaft that drives the impeller broke right at the bearing. The impeller does not turn, thus engine overheats. The propeller still runs and I was able to drive the boat before it overheated. The engine is a 1989-90 2.3L OMC Cobra.
I can't find anyone that is willing to open the upper unit and change the shaft alone. They are charging me, including labor, about $2,800+ for a rebuilt upper unit installed. I paid $3,500 for the boat 2 years ago (if fixes properly I may be able to sell it for same or just keep it). My question is, is it worth fixing it? Are they charging me too much? Can I find, and does it make sense to try fixing the shaft alone? If I purchase an upper unit, could I install it myself?
Another option, sell the boat as it is, hopefully get something for it, and buy a newer one (1994-95). Probably a non-OMC one. If I go this route, I may try a volvo or Mercruiser.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: New outdrive, keep boat or "newer" used boat??

Howdy,

It's difficult to say. Once it's all fixed you may have a boat that's only worth at best $3000. This is just a guess but you can find out for yourself by going to the Boat trader or ant similar boat sales area and do a little looking around.

It's probably worth fixing if everything else is ok. I just had a look at Ebay and as usual there's a lot of Cobra drives of every "shape and size" in there. If you buy one from a dealer you might get somewhat of a warranty but you would want it to be local so they could install it for you to get the warranty. I don't think the average guy could take one apart and fix it. There's just too many specialized tools needed to do it right. OMC dealers sent their people to OMC school to learn how to do it right. I'm not sure a "backyard mechanic" (like me could or should try to do it!)

You might be able to install a drive or upper, but if you don't get the lower shift cable set up right and you break the drive any warranty you might have had could be out the window.

When I looked on ebay I noticed that there some places that will rebuild your drive completely from $1500-2600. You'll have to ship it to them and back though.

So you have other choices. So did I.... I went in another direction entirely.


Cheers,




Rick

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: New outdrive, keep boat or "newer" used boat??

Try to find a good used upper. The labor and parts to fix the old will hurt bad.
If you really like the boat get a used upper.Or sell the parts on E-bay.
I have had good luck making more money from parts than selling the whole boat.
If you change boats go to anything but an older OMC. Volvo is more dependable ,Volvo parts are more expensive.
Mercruiser parts are a lot easier to buy(used) and cheaper.
If you buy an older Merc. 120 the OMC motor will bolt right up if you need a motor.Jerry

 

[Dakota47]

Re: New outdrive, keep boat or "newer" used boat??

look on e-bay for the used parts..

 

[aJohn79]

Re: New outdrive, keep boat or "newer" used boat??

good idea. Looked in ebay. There is one outdrive that may fit my needs. Off course, since there is no warranty, the problem is how to know if that one is diffective or not. Question, would the typical doit yourselfer mechanic be able to uninstall/install the outdrive? My worry is the weight.

 

[aJohn79]

Re: New outdrive, keep boat or "newer" used boat??

there is a used outdrive in ebay that will fit. The pictures look good, but I know I am taking a risk on how it works? has any one had experience buying these expensive parts from ebay?