outdrive compatibility/interchange

[maxxman04]

got an 89 bayliner for free, no motor or outdrive. originally had 305 or 350, cobra outdrive. i plan on putting the v8 back into it, but wondering what outdrives besides the cobra will work, either directly or very little modification? i've heard the volvo 280, but not sure which years? any others that might work?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

Howdy,

You have a golden opportunity to rid yourself of the OMC shackles once in for all

Yes there is a VP drive that will bolt on (with the appropriate and somewhat expensive/scarce/no longer made) VP kit. ( It is my understanding that there is no VP drive that will directly "bolt" to an early 87 to about 90/93 OMC Cobra gimbal.

The easiest install would be to find yourself a complete Merc eng/gimbal/drive to put in. You can also scrounge parts and get yourself an SE drive.

Good luck.


Rick

 

[maxxman04]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

rick, thanks for the info. forgive me as i'm still a little new to the various boat engine stuff. cars, gotchya covered, but not up to speed with boats. i've heard conflicting stories about the merc swap. it can and it can't be done. to everyone, thank you in advance for your patience with me. i am researching myself trying to find answers as well.

 

[Bondo]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

Ayuh,... Merc's use that same transom Hole.... They started it...

 

[maxxman04]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

from what i've read, you are a wealth of knowledge. the transom assembly is still on boat, just no upper or lower, so i haven't seen the hole yet. as soon as the rains quit, i might just finish removing it. thank you tho again, info is greatly appreciated.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

from what i've read, you are a wealth of knowledge. the transom assembly is still on boat, just no upper or lower, so i haven't seen the hole yet. as soon as the rains quit, i might just finish removing it. thank you tho again, info is greatly appreciated.

My boat is a good example of a Cobra - Mercruiser swap.

I pulled out an OMC 460 King Cobra and replaced it all with a 454/Bravo III combination.

I did have to relocate the front/side engine mounts. Other than that, the transom cutout & mounting is the same.


You're basically 50% there with no engine or drive. Check the boat trader and Craigslist. If your boat is in good condition it's probably worth putting a "new" eng/drive.

I see about 1 Mercruiser engine/drive combo on Craigslist per 1-2 months up here in the NW.

Check Ebay and you'll find countless Mercruiser engines, gimbals, drives, trim pumps, trim cyls, etc.


Cheers,


Rick

 

[maxxman04]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

rick, thanks again. more have said the same thing, so it must be true. boat is good shape, still has transom assy in it, motor mounts not concern, easy enough to do, but now life seems to have gotten easier. invaluable info that, if it weren't for foul weather, i may have figured out myself. thank you again.

 

[maxxman04]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

ok, another question. is the bolt pattern on the merc outs the same as the cobra, as far as gimbal bolt pattern? it almost looks like it, so if i still have the cobra transom/gimbal, can i use that with a merc, or volvo, or others?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

no- looks like it but no.
The only common thing is the cutout in the transom.

Believe the advice. The smartest move would be to pull the rest of the OMC parts out of the hull and sell them.

Then get a complete Mercruiser drive line.

A donor boat with a trashed hull is sometomes the best way to go so you have everything - wiring, cables..etc...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

By the way,

don't take me wrong,

If you find a smok'in deal on a (late model....say 95 or newer) Volvo Penta engine/ SX drive combo jump on it. There's just not as many to choose from out there in radio land as Mercs...

 

[maxxman04]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

all your advice is greatly appreciated rick, and will certainly make life alot easier. finding a donor boat isn't really that hard, seen alot. and my main concern is still making sure it's for v8 correct? the merc, that is. are there any models/years or such to stay away from? thanks again guys, BIG help.

 

[Bondo]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

and my main concern is still making sure it's for v8 correct? the merc, that is. are there any models/years or such to stay away from?

Ayuh,.... For the various configurations of the Merc Alpha series,...

I think the transom Assemblies from the 84/ 86 years are about the Best...
Whenever it was they finally became the square topped Alpha drives,...

As the years went by, Grease fittings started disappearing....
The newer 1s I see have Few grease fittings at All,..
The drives are All interchangeable up to the intro of the Alpha Gen.IIs,... 91 I think,..
Since then only the Gen.II drives fit....

Then of course there's the Bravo,....Bigger, Better, More Money,.....

Btw,.... Have you taken an Icepick to this 20odd year old boat yet,...Check for Rot in the transom,+ stringers,..??

 

[maxxman04]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

not yet, but will be checking soon. floors are solid, hull is great, so fingers crossed.

 

[Don S]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

If you can find a Volvo DP-S outdrive (dual props) and a used bellhousing, and a crank driven raw water pump (NAPA), some hoses and a shift cable, using the Cobra transom shield you already have will make you a boat that will pull the gates off of hell and go fast to boot.
Don't expect it to be inexpensive.

 

[maxxman04]

Re: outdrive compatibility/interchange

don, thank you. i have seen the volvo duo prop setup, pretty sweet, but you're right, not cheap. although i have heard great things about it. if i can score one on my budget i will for sure, but not holding breath. i have an old bellboy, trashed hull, with 350 in it. omc stuff, but everything is there. seems like it will fit in fine, tho i know there is still alot of misc. parts i will need. on the hunt for a donor boat with good 350 and outdrive that i can use tho still. might be easier if i have every last piece i can pull from one boat to another. bayliner not worth much, but kind of a fun project so far. bit excited to get it done. thanks again to you and everyone else, and of course, any and all info or input is greatly appreciated.