Preference... OMC or Mercruiser??

[87VIP]

I am looking to buy a newer boat, around 19' to 21' Which setup is the best and why? From what I understand ( which is very little) This question is like Ford vs Chevy ( preference) more than anything.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Preference... OMC or Mercruiser??

stay away from the cobra sx model. there weren't many made, & parts are almost impossible to find. the main problem with omc's is getting the shift cable adjusted properly. if u can do that, there just as good if not better than merc. just my .02.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Preference... OMC or Mercruiser??

Most will tell you to go Merc or Volvo, since OMC is out of business, parts for Cobras are available. You have to find a dealer who sold Johnson/Evinrude, they can ususally order just about everything you need. I have had no problems getting parts for my 1988. Also a lot of parts are available in the aftermarket or on various websites. As far as the Cobra SX, that is the joint venture one made with Volvo, from looking at many parts diagrams, it looks to me to be the same as the Volvo SX (same parts diagrams, I mean exactly) so Volvo parts will most likely fit. First you should find out if you can find someone who will work on the Cobra, because many will not, esp the older dog clutch ones (86-93. If you find a newer one with the Volvo style cone clutch (94 and up) see if a Volvo shop will work on it.I for one would not be afraid of getting a 94 and up model since it was much improved at that point. Too bad they didn't get these right the first time, when they are set up right they really do shift well, even better than some Mercs.

 

[chris in va]

Re: Preference... OMC or Mercruiser??

I have a 94 Volvo SX, and there is only one place locally that works on them. All the other shops do Merc setups. Something to think about.

 

[magster65]

Re: Preference... OMC or Mercruiser??

Mercury parts and service are readily available and they don't cost any more (much less sometimes). I'd go with Merc.

 

[GregCC167Concept]

Re: Preference... OMC or Mercruiser??

I'm a first time boat owner and bought an OMC powered used boat 2 years ago not knowing OMC's status. I've been able to find parts okay so far but it does make me uneasy knowing it's getting older and so are the parts. If I were you, I'd go with the mercruiser.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Preference... OMC or Mercruiser??

I've had both and love my 16 year old OMC Cobra.<br /><br />Finding parts is no problem at all - either locally or through Internet vendors.<br /><br />Volvo bought the Cobra technology, so I would favor Volvo.<br /><br />But, the service availablity warnings are worth heeding. Volvo dealers are not plentiful. <br /><br />For my Cobra, I live in the DC area, so there are several old dealers who will still work it. In a different area, you could be your mechanic.