1977 Starcraft with a OMC drive, what to look at, any info?

[joetheis]

So this 1977 Starcraft Holiday (I think Holiday?) that has got my "boat lust up"!
Boat looks good, almn boat (owner says it's a dry boat), 120 4 banger in it with a OMC outdrive.
All gauges work (well, except tach, but we'll look at that. But ideas on what to look will help)
I know a bit about Mercrusier Alpha's, (worked on my Pre Alpha), a bit about "Rude outboards, (my '70 and 4.5 troller), but OMC, well, not so much.
I have read shy away from E-lectric shift, parts are thin, (the owner says this one doesn't have that, no buttons).
He was explaining that the WHOLE motor assy with outdrive tilts on trim?
It that so? (I see in parts that there is a outer seal), so maybe.
Looks really hard to do the impeller?? true??
Anything in OMC I should look at, be aware of?
Can you narrow down what drive it might have?
I wanna make sure this isn't a massive mistake when I go there.
Tanks!!
Joe
So many boats, so few $$!

 

[bruceb58]

Walk away. You do not want to deal with that stern drive.

If it is a 77 it is an electric shift.

Another piece of advice. Don't buy any boat with an OMC drive, even the newer ones.

 

[GA_Boater]

1977 Starcraft with a OMC drive, what to look at

Starcraft ads with Mercruiser or Volvo-Penta or outboard power.

The sellers tilt description says it's a Stringer - No parts and those you do find are often used up already. In the Starcraft forum we call Stringers by the kind name of WLOD. White Leg Of Death. :watermelon:

 

[Bondo]

what to look at, any info?

Ayuh,.... As noted above,... Look at Another Boat,.....

You want Nothin' to do with any OMC sterndrive,....

Especially a Stringer drive,.....

 

[southkogs]

You want Nothin' to do with any OMC sterndrive,....

Especially a Stringer drive,.....

... awwwwww gee. out:

I have read shy away from E-lectric shift, parts are thin, (the owner says this one doesn't have that, no buttons).

Buttons don't really matter - there were a few different remotes for the Electric shift. '77 would be either electric shift or hydro-electric. Which is the marine equivalent of, "do you like your hemlock straight up or on the rocks?"

He was explaining that the WHOLE motor assy with outdrive tilts on trim? It that so?

Sorta' ... a Stringer trims from the front (entire engine and drive) and tilts from the back (drive only).

Looks really hard to do the impeller?? true??

Actually, I think they're kinda' easy.

Anything in OMC I should look at, be aware of?

Just their stern drives.

You have to be committed to take on a Stringer ... or, perhaps you should be committed if you take on a Stringer. They are actually pretty good drives, but you will have to be your own mechanic and they will want your time in maintenance. They can be a little finicky, and parts can be a problem (but not always).

Ultimately, I would suggest most people shy away from them.

 

[superbenk]

southkogs is dead on with this. I had a Stringer hydro-mechanical & never had a problem with the mechanicals of the drive itself. Tilt was another issue because of the weird gear mechanism that is extremely problematic as things wear out. Trim as stated is done by changing the attitude of the whole engine & drive as a single unit. This means you have a huge rubber boot sealing up your transom which can tear if old or installed wrong. Also, if run with the drive tilted the ball gears used to mate the engine with the drive will wear quickly and need to be replaced (could damage bearings and seals if it was done too long/driven too hard that way).

In some ways I miss my Stringer. It was simple in a lot of ways & had some nice features (really high tilt angle, great turning radius, no alignment or u-joints to worry about) but I wouldn't recommend it for the reasons mentioned above.

Unless you're looking for a nostalgic restore or a quirky mechanical oddity don't buy this boat.

 

[joetheis]

Well, I read this the night I posted, (after a exhausted search for parts)!
Not really knowing WHAT I was looking for, it was a generic parts search.
"Boat Lust" is a powerful thing, once I get it, it usually drives me insane!
(I had the same over the years with jeeps, motorcycles, sailboats).
Like a woman I saw her, wanted to have her all to myself!
I read all the posts you guys postred, the ALARM went off in the back of my head, texted the owner the info you passed onto me and sadly? luckily? pass on her.
Once again you guys and this site has pulled my arse from another poor choice!
Thanks! (If my wife knew I was looking at this boat, she'd thank you too)!
Joe
So many boats, so few $$!

 

[superbenk]

Man, I feel like a hero now!

 

[joetheis]

Yes, you be the, "Man" today!
That's ALWAYS been my problem, I have a soft spot for P.O.S. things!
Be it boats, sailboat, Jeeps, bikes, dogs................
I'm the Arse you see toolin' down the interstate with a rusty P.O.S. on a trailer behind him!
It is a nice looking boat.............
I HAD a thought the other day........
I'll take that drive line off, open the transom, rebuild it to fill the hole, install a 140 or 120 in it with a Alpha outdrive...............
Then reality hit, and I stop thinking that!
Joe
So many POOR boats that need me!