? on a mercruiser 165 I/O outdrive

[supercab78]

I going to look at a 1977 Browning with a 165 Merc I/O with 370 hours on it. My question is how reliable or these outdrives? I have owned & done repairs on my 1975 OMC sterndrive myself, is the 1977 Merc I/O a better system then the 1975 OMC? Are the Mercs harder to work on? <br /> Thanks Jeff

 

[Bondo]

Re: ? on a mercruiser 165 I/O outdrive

Ayah..........<br />You're going to Love your New Boat...........<br />250cid Chevy pickup truck motor,<br />And, a Mod.1, "R" drive, Pre-Alpha Outdrive........(All the Same)<br />Easier to wrench on,+ More, Cheaper used parts...........<br /><br />With Proper Care + Feeding,<br />This is an Extremely Reliable Package.......<br /><br />BTW,<br />Welcome to iboats forums.....<br />A Couple of the Guys are Running that Package....

 

[DJ]

Re: ? on a mercruiser 165 I/O outdrive

Nice package. That boat was built in my hometown-St.Charles, MI.

 

[qaztwo]

Re: ? on a mercruiser 165 I/O outdrive

I have a 1972 trihull with that set up. Great engine and drive. Had the engine rebuilt about two years ago, 30 years of service not bad. The drive has never given me any problems, only thing done to it was replaced exhaust boot during engine rebuild. Most of my use has been for skiing, no problems pulling me out and 18 feet of boat, is good on gas, and boy does it idle smooth.

 

[Sharps-Nut]

Re: ? on a mercruiser 165 I/O outdrive

This has been my first year boating and last october I bought a 1977 caravelle with the 165 and r model. I love it. My boat now has 328 hour and runs like a top. The engine has plenty of power and will use 2.8 to 4.5 gallons per hour depending on how its loaded. The big number is pushing the 1100 pound hull rating and it does nothing but pull tubers. I mean 78" four person big bertha tube with at least ywo in it. Great set up. Buy it.

 

[sergioy]

Re: ? on a mercruiser 165 I/O outdrive

I bought a 1975 Mark Twain with that set-up and I love it. Plenty of power to pull tubers, skiers, wakeboarders... It does great on gas. I think it is an excellent set up. Buy It! You won't regret it.