Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

[jrfehrman]

I just sold my old project boat and am thinking of buying a newer model that I won't have to put as much work into.<br /><br />I found a 1997 Four Winns 18' Horizon RX with a Chevy GM 97 4.3 V6 and a Volvo/Penta SX Cobra outdrive.<br /><br />I have been warned by several people to stay away from the Cobras, but wanted to check in more detail. The boat has a great price, should I buy it?

 

[KaGee]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

All depends how it was kept. Just like any other boat with a tru Volvo or Mercruiser drive. Motors are no problem.<br /><br />The biggest issue is OMC is out of business. Techs who work on those drives are slim. Parts are a little more pricier. Like most things, they have their nuiances. <br /><br />The boat is worth less on paper than an equivilant with a Merc drive hung on it.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

I may be wrong, but I think that "cobra" is more Volvo than OMC being the SX drive...a sort of volvo in Omc's clothing...

 

[KaGee]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

That was the "joint" venture project.<br />earlier Cobra's were all OMC.

 

[jrfehrman]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

The boat is in great shape, inside and out. It looks like it was used very little and was very well taken care of.<br /><br />I think I can get it for $8000 or less.<br /><br />Should I go for it?

 

[BRG25]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

I would call around the shops in your area to see if they would service it...

 

[Lou C]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

If its a 97 that is a joint venture product and the parts/design is the same as a similar year Volvo. Get the serial # off the motor/drive, call a few Volvo dealers and see if they will service it. I would not be afraid to buy a joint venture product at all.

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

My 1993 OMC Cobra is just finishing its 13th season since I purchased the boat new.<br />No problems at all. I did replace the universal joints last year, but I'm not sure it was even necessary. The mechanic said he didn't see any sign of scuffing, but said I could have new u-joints installed for the cost of the labor tearing the old ones apart and reassembling them.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

but he isnt considering an OMC, it is a Volvo that is still supported by Volvo. In fact, Don S posted a pic of a boat one of his guys paid big money to convert to this drive. I cant see what the issue is, it is built and supported by one of the only two remaining drive big guys. Seems like the question is more like is the boat worth 8Gs. Quite a bit for an 8 to 9 year old boat

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

Originally posted by vatter41:<br /> but he isnt considering an OMC, it is a Volvo that is still supported by Volvo. In fact, Don S posted a pic of a boat one of his guys paid big money to convert to this drive. I cant see what the issue is, it is built and supported by one of the only two remaining drive big guys. Seems like the question is more like is the boat worth 8Gs. Quite a bit for an 8 to 9 year old boat

But not completely out of line if you check the NADA boat pricing guide.<br />That particular boat is here

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

the sx is a great leg. the only reoccurring problem i see is with the propshaft seal. have it updated to the latest model seal if you do buy it. the original equipment was a pos.

 

[bvh]

Re: Should I be scared of a OMC Cobra outdrive...

There is nothing OMC Specific in a 97 VP SX Cobra. It is the same as a current VP SX. The Cobra name was on there for a few years after OMC quit making drives and VP took over the drive. The Cobras you hear about are the pre 1994 models. The 1994 on OMC Cobras are really VP SX drives as well, although they don't say VP on them anywhere.