OMC Cobra 5.0L Setup...opinions needed

[ferguson]

Hello we are looking at 1994 Four Winns 190 with a OMC Cobra 5.0L engine and outdrivr. The unit has 189 hours showing. Is this setup a reliable setup that will give many more trouble free hours of use. The boat is real nice, and at a asking price of $7900. This would be our first boat. Your thoughts please. Thank you.

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L Setup...opinions needed

There were 2 versions of the OMC Cobra (not counting the King Cobras with the big blocks).<br />The original was the 86-93 models, which were all OMC, they had the dog clutch shifting in the lower unit. The 94 and up models were the joint venture models made with Volvo and had the cone clutch shifting in the upper unit. If it is a 94 drive, you should be able to get a Volvo shop to work on it if there are no OMC shops around you. Otherwise, if it is an orginal OMC design Cobra, call around to see if you can get anyone to work on it, this can be difficult in some areas. I have a good place to work on mine, and I have been able to get parts as well. Don't forget OMC is out of business, they sold the sterndrives to Volvo, still making the joint venture product as the Volvo SX.

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L Setup...opinions needed

Or,<br />Seeing that you're a New Boater.........<br />Keep Looking........<br />Find yourself a boat with a Mercruiser, or Volvo drive.........<br />OMCs are a Dead Horse............<br />No Factory Support......<br />And, Little Aftermarket support..........

 

[motox6]

Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L Setup...opinions needed

I have a 1993 Horizon 5.0 with all OMC equipment. I have no problems with it and found a few reliable mechs to work it. One thing I can say is that the horizon can handle all types of water and according to the brochure able to do a 40 MPH flat spin turn without losing control. I did not believe it. So I tried, at 40MPH I cut the wheel hard port and lo and behold the boat flat spun right around,AMAZING!! Also something to keep in mind with OMC/VOLVO the outdrive water pump is accessable WITHOUT pulling the outdrive out as opposed to the MERC that you do have to pull the outdrive to get to that same water pump. Don't get me wrong Merc makes a good drive, but I do like the fact that I - yes I can change the drive water pump without taking the boat to a mechanic to pull the outdrive out.Bottom line is make sure you take the boat on the water before you buy it.

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L Setup...opinions needed

One other thing is that esp on the original OMC Cobras, the shift cable adjustment is critical, if it is not right you will have trouble with it jumping out of gear or not coming out of gear into neutral.<br />The 94 and up ones are better, they shift like a Volvo since it is a cone clutch.<br />The impeller in the upper gearcase on the original Cobras is really easy to change, pop off a plastic cover, and in 1/2 hr you are done, could even be done with the boat in the water in an emergency! The 94 and up ones have the impeller on the engine Volvo style.

 

[a.d.mobile]

Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L Setup...opinions needed

Boy Bondo if you cant fix it just sink it! I can make a clutch dog cobra shift better than a merc any day. That is the kind of talk that wasted OMC in the stern drive business. They shot them selves in 88 pushing the cobra out when they should have held off and trained there dealers to sell and repair a cobra, then the merc people wouldnt use them as examples to have a merc only.<br />yes anyone can adjust a merc cable and few can do a cobra. that makes me necessary! and I love it! bob........