OMC to Merc conversion ?

[howlnmad]

My neighbor down the road had a sister to my boat. It's a late 80's Bayliner with OMC drive and is in factory new condition, except for the powerhead, which his son destroyed. He offered me the craft for free with some stipulations. It must be covered at all times when not in use and cleaned in and out after every use, serviced on a regular basis, the oils changed twice a year and winterized when the temp gets to the high 30's. Okay, enough with that part, my question is... can I swap out the 4 cyl OMC and drive with a new Merc system in V-8? I want to replace from crank pulley to prop. What all am I looking at? Before someone chimes in and says it's not worth it, let me say that $ is not an issue and neither is the time. I love projects and don't plan on ever getting rid of it. When I said earlier about factory new condition, I wasn't kidding. This guy is meticulous about everything. To keep my word I even keep it inside... covered.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: OMC to Merc conversion ?

Still get a check "survey" on the stringers and floor just to be sure.

I know nothing about the conversion other than I read in another post the transom cut out is not the same and needs to be doweled and then filled as the OMC has a different shape. I assume this will take some fiberglass skills.

The other thing to look into is if the boat was ever avail from the factory with a V8. If it is, then yes the conversion is possible. If not, then I would just convert to the same size engine but in a merc.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: OMC to Merc conversion ?

My neighbor down the road had a sister to my boat. It's a late 80's Bayliner with OMC drive and is in factory new condition, except for the powerhead, which his son destroyed. He offered me the craft for free with some stipulations. It must be covered at all times when not in use and cleaned in and out after every use, serviced on a regular basis, the oils changed twice a year and winterized when the temp gets to the high 30's. Okay, enough with that part, my question is... can I swap out the 4 cyl OMC and drive with a new Merc system in V-8? I want to replace from crank pulley to prop. What all am I looking at? Before someone chimes in and says it's not worth it, let me say that $ is not an issue and neither is the time. I love projects and don't plan on ever getting rid of it. When I said earlier about factory new condition, I wasn't kidding. This guy is meticulous about everything. To keep my word I even keep it inside... covered.

Howdy,


If it's an OMC Cobra.(Circa <late> 1986-on) YES. You can swap it with just about any suitable size Mercruiser engine and drive.


If it is a early 1986 OMC....I.E. STRINGER, Then no you cannot just "swap" them. It will require extensive transom and stringer/engine mount work.

If that's the case, it will not be worth it.

I removed a 1987 460 King Cobra and replaced it with a 1997 Mercruiser 454/Bravo III. It was pretty much a direct swap. I had to drill 2 additional bolt holes in the transom for the Bravo transom mount and move the front engine mounts slightly. It was quite easy.






Cheers,

Rick

 

[ChrisCraftJohnny]

Re: OMC to Merc conversion ?

Ah,..... free huh? I hope you got the title in your name. I would offer him $100.00 for the craft. That way there is no holding anything over your head. And as far as his rules for the boat.....When it says your name on the title, he has no say.

We all have to learn for ourselves. Nothing is free.

Good luck with your/his new boat!

Johnny

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: OMC to Merc conversion ?

there is a conversion kit to bolt up a Mercruiser type drive and keep the OMC transom.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC to Merc conversion ?

there is a conversion kit to bolt up a Mercruiser type drive and keep the OMC transom.

..if it's a Cobra drive