1969 Larson with original OMC outdrive - Is it worth it?h

[DoubleAught]

Hello all,

I'm normally not an impulse buyer, but I came across a guy wanting to trade me a boat for a shotgun I had. I have always wanted a boat, but having three kids and only one income, I never thought it would be financially possible. However, since this was a straight up trade for something I already had, it seemed like a good deal and I impulsively pulled the trigger. After getting the boat home, google searches for some of my questions kept bringing me to your forum. You seem to be the "go to" group to answer my questions. I have been lurking for a while, but have found somewhat mixed opinions about the OMC outdrive, so I thought I'd better post.

The boat is a 1969 Larson. It has the Buick 225, which seems to be a winner, and has the original OMC outdrive. Judging by the number of missing bolts on the outdrive, it appears someone has been attempting to work on it. The boat cover and interior seem to be in pretty decent shape. But being that this is my first boat, I knew nothing about what to check before buying. I didn't discover until I got it home that the deck has some soft spots back by the transom and the transom itself has some cracking in the gelcoat. I'm not afraid of having a project, I just want to make sure it's worth doing. Some of what I have read on here makes me worry that the outdrive on this boat will make the project not worth while. Since you are the experts, I would love to get your feedback on this, if you would be so kind.

 

[Lou C]

There are people on here who know the Stringer drive system, I know Cobras well but not Stringers. The issue here is that this drive system as not been made in about 30 years, and some parts are hard to get. I would check around to see if any good marine mechanics would work on this set up, because if not then you are going to have a tough time to keep it going, even if you can find parts.

 

[Scott Danforth]

You have a boat with an obsolete motor and an obsolete drive. There is nothing that will change that.

If your handy with tools and searching for parts, you should be able to keep it floating for years

 

[jerryjerry05]

Get a FACTORY manual.
There are generic manuals, they help but still a factory one is best.
The library can get you something to start.
Check the oils in the motor and drive.
That drive has 2-3 compartments for gear oil.
Get it running and put it in the water.
Start it on the trailer a​nd let it come up to operating temp.
Shift it through the gears.
Watch the temp gauge.
You can start in the driveway with good hose pressure.
There are still lots of parts available and used parts all over the place.
I bought a running unit $75.

 

[Redrig]

Forget about the drive and engine with that boat , thats secondary to the fact that the floor has some soft spots .

You will be looking at one hell of a project if you want to do it correctly. soft spots = rotten stringers and transom = $ and lot of time.

research some rebuilds over in the resto forum to decide if you want to proceed.

Me personally , I wouldnt worry about the OMC , I have one and I would get another . (not everyones cup of tea , I understand that )

The rot is what would be the deal killer for me.

Good Luck

 

[DoubleAught]

Thanks for all the feedback!
I got an OMC manual off eBay for $9 shipped. Its in rough shape, but everything seems to be there. I like working on motors, but the fiberglass work will be New to me. This will definitely be a project, but it sounds like it might be worthwhile as long as I am able to find parts. What are you guys using to source old parts? Is there a good website? I live in Columbus, Ohio, so it's not exactly prime boating country and there aren't a lot of boat shops that I am aware of.

 

[bruceb58]

I would walk away from this.

 

[Lou C]

Sea Way Marine in Washington State has a big stockpile of obsolete parts....

 

[84hammond]

This looks like a fairly decent boat from the pic. Unfortunately the two problems are the engine and outdrive. Not because its OMC but because of their age. The Buick engine was replaced sometime in 69. Parts are probably going to be hard to find. The outdrive is an electric stringer. Of the three different models OMC made this was the most problematic. They used a series of electromagnetic coils to engage forward or reverse clutch springs. I would bet this boat already has shifting issues. Then to boot you have wood rot. I just think your going to be doing more work on it then enjoying it. Dont know what your shot gun was worth but you might be better off cleaning it up and selling it for what your gun was worth.

 

[DoubleAught]

Thanks again for all the input. I'm torn. I guess I will take it one step at a time and play it by ear. If I can get it running, I will see if it floats. Maybe I will get a little use out of it before I sell off what I can.

Does anyone know if a newer outdrive will mate up with it and fit the hole in the transom?

 

[Bondo]

Does anyone know if a newer outdrive will mate up with it and fit the hole in the transom?

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Unfortunately. No other drive will fit, without glassin' in the hole, 'n recuttin' it,....

 

[southkogs]

I haven't carefully read the entire topic, so if I repeat something forgive me please.

As someone above said, I wouldn't be personally as concerned about the OMC as I would about the condition of the stringers and the deck. The transom isn't as important on that boat because of how the drive mounts to the boat. Check the structure of the hull and make sure it's sound.

After that - pick a point: based on expense, time, effort, energy or whatever else you want to keep track of; pick a point at which you'll bail on the project. You can probably manage to re-power the boat with another Stringer without too much expense or difficulty - but it'll cost you time and energy. Hull projects can be a real booger.

I got my old OMC pretty cheap and ran it for years without too much significant expense ... however, I spent a decent amount of time in the garage with it.

If it ain't fun ... it ain't worth it.