Older Outdrives To Avoid?

[hibbert6]

I'm looking at buying a boat from the mid 1980's. (Addicted to tri-hulls, and my 1976 15 footer is getting small.)I'm familiar with the newer Merc designations (Alpha, etc.) but have no idea what a "266" is.

I'd like input on outdrives to avoid from that era. (Any positive recommendations would be helpful, though, too!)

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Bondo]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

I'd like input on outdrives to avoid from that era.

Ayuh,........

Anything that says OMC on it...........

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

Avoid anything OMC or the 4 cylinder merc 170 or its other mutations....​

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

buy Mercruiser (with the exception of the 224 cubic inch 470/170/488 aluminum 4 cylinder) and avoid anything else.
Even though Volvos are great drives, they lack power trim as standard equipment and you can't grab a $1200 brand new reproduction outdrive like you can for an 80's Merc.

 

[Don S]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

Even though Volvos are great drives, they lack power trim as standard equipment

Don't lump ALL Volvo drives in that catagory. In the Mid 80's trim was found on many of the drives, in the late 80's and newer they all had trim.

The 266 is probably the model of the boat, not the engine/drive.

 

[skeat]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

When looking at used equipment the way it was maintained may be more important than the brand. I would much rather have a well maintained OMC than a beat up anything else. I have an '89 4.3 OMC Cobra. I love it and have zero regrets. Other than regular maintenance I have had no problems.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

I agree to avoid the early OMC drives (Stringers) as they are no longer made. The Cobras I have heard were good beefy units. Personally, I would go for a merc as the parts are typically easy to find and aren't terribly expensive. I would settle for a Cobra if the boat was a deal and and excellent shape. I have heard, and correct me if I am wrong, but I heard you can convert the Cobra drive over to a Volvo if needed down the road. I just had this conversation with a marine mechanic over the summer. My dad has a King Cobra. He made it sound as though its not that big of a deal to convert it.

http://www.marinepartsexpress.com/SX_Cobra.pdf

 

[Don S]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

That conversion is even better if you add the Dual Prop drive instead of the single prop.
I did that conversion on a couple of 460 Ford engines on 28' Bayliners. (Before the couplers and manifolds were NLA). Unfortunatly the kits didn't cover the 460's but it was ONLY a problem of mounting the raw water pump.
For the 5.7's It would work great.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

Good stuff! Thanks, and keep it coming!

Dave

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

keep it coming!

that's all of them, except for Chrysler, BMW, Dana...and unless your specifically looking for that stuff your not likely to find it.....

 

[dmcb]

Re: Older Outdrives To Avoid?

I also agree the OMC Cobra was a good drive. I had one from new (1989) with only one seal replaced in all that time.
Of course outdrive oil and water pump impeller changes.
I sold it a couple years ago and I know the new owner who continues with trouble free service from it.
Gonna be kinda hard for me to say they were no good.
And parts for the Cobra are available. King Cobra, no.
And avoid the OMC Stringer at all costs.
Doug