V-6 Ebay South Florida Sellers

[Solittle]

I am toying with the idea of re powering my 1988 23' Wellcraft CC. I have twin 1987 OMC 1.6L bubbleback Seadrives on it now. They work well but I don't have a lot of confidence in them.

I see quite a few adds in eBay for V-6s that seem reasonably priced. While I have not done a lot of research on type or brand I would lean towards a single Yammy fuel injected 225 or 250 25-30" of the range of 2002 - 2004. I think I could use either 25 or 30" shaft as I will also need a mounting bracket.

If I decide to pull the trigger I will need engine, prop, bracket, gages and controls as I suspect that mine (though they work) will not work plus installation. I will also face the problem of selling my existing engines.

Questions -

1. Does anyone have any experience with any of the several Florida sellers that advertise these type engines (particularly ARG from Palm Beach - they seem the most active seller)?

2. Sellers quote a "deal" for the engine only. Any clue on how much I would be looking at for the rest?

3. Any clue on what I could get for my present engines?

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: V-6 Ebay South Florida Sellers

I may be able to offer some input on this.

This is going to be a major project for you. The Sea Drives are really Johnson/Evinrudes mounted on specialty brackets made especially for OMC Sea Drives. Your 1.6 Bubblebacks are really 140 HP Johnny/Rudes. If the SEA Drive units are in good shape, I would seriously look at rebuilding the two motors. Then, at least you would know what you have. Compared to buying new/used motors, brackets, controls, steering etc... it would HAVE to be a lot less expensive.

Here is another idea. We have a local dealer here who is doing something kind of cool. IF the Sea Drive units are in good shape, he will actually convert a newer OMC motor (minus the mounting units) to fit onto the SEA Drive units. I guess the SEA Drive units built AFTER 1988 are prime candidates to have this done. This way, EVERYTHING other than the motor itself remains the same. besides, it looks kind of cool to see a Johnson Motor mounted on a Sea Drive unit.

Good Luck with this one.

 

[Solittle]

Re: V-6 Ebay South Florida Sellers

Thanks TD for the info. You present analternative that I was not aware of - converting a newer engine to the Sea Drive. I doubt that I would go that route as if I decide to keep the Sea Drives and blow one of my powerheads it would be far more economical to put a rebuild on it.

I have had my rig since 1994 and have had both engines rebuilt at one time or another. They are running fairly well now and I can do the basic maintenance myself. I am thinking of alternatives though. While I have had no problems with either of the Sea Drive assemblies I do know that if/when I do I may be forced to abandon them as finding someone to work on them and getting parts will be a problem. They also sit quite low in the water and throw a lot of spray up on the bottom of the engines. As you know ther is no way to raise or lower the engines. I have had no resulting problems but I have read that this is a common complaint with the design of the Sea Drives.

By the way OMC rates the 1.6L bubble back Sea Drives at 110 hp in their service/shop manual. It is kinda buried in there but they do say 110 hp - not a big deal for me as we have been quite satisfied with the preformance.

As to cool -

I would still appreciate some input on repowering with a bracket & V6 with particular focus on the south Florida vendors.