1980 ebko Cobra ???????

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Seaman
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Jul 21, 2010
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I've got a guy wanting to trade me a 1980 EBKO 186 Cobra for something worth about $900. All I know so far is it's a 4 cyl 170 HP I/O drive.

I did some searching and it seems alot of people say to stay away from OMC Cobras. Well, I read up a bit and COBRA outdrives started in 1986 ???

I will get to talk to the owner this weekend & check out the boat but it's a long drive & I am trying to find out as much info as I can before that time.

I know I haven't given much info but it's all I have for now, but I was wondering would a 1980 runabout have the dreaded COBRA drive (I know it might not be original)

Also, any clue as to what a 170 HP 4 cyl engine would be?

I've searched alot on my own but can't find any site with boat specs.

I did find out there is a 1980 EBKO with COBRA as the model name. I'm not sure what the 186 is for.

I'm a good handyman/mechanic but am new to boats. I'll get more info in a couple of days but any thoughts as to what the I/O setup could be???? and should I run far, far away ??? Thanks Doug
 

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: 1980 ebko Cobra ???????

Howdy,


Without knowing what an EBKO is, if the engine IS actually a 1980 model, it is NOT an OMC Cobra.

If it's a 4 cyl 170 HP engine it is likely a Mercruiser 3.7L 4 cyl aluminum block, cast iron Ford 460 headed engine.

In either case, OMC Cobra or 3.7L (Merc) engine. I would probably look elsewhere. BOTH are obsolete.

Regards,


Rick
 

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Seaman
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Jul 21, 2010
Messages
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Re: 1980 ebko Cobra ???????

Thanks for the replies. I got confused as the boat model is a COBRA. I'll confirm the engine/outdrive before I drive 3 hours to look at this one then. Thanks again.
I found somewhere on Google ( I think it was iboats actually) and it confirmed a COBRA model for an EBKO boat in 1980, didn't have much other info however).
Thanks again, I know I didn't give much to go on, sounds like I should pass on this one though.
 

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Seaman
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Jul 21, 2010
Messages
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Re: 1980 ebko Cobra ???????

And OMC never used that engine

sorry for another stupid question,,, but you mean IF it's the 3.7L Mercruiser, then it shouldn't have an OMC outdrive??? probably another Mercruiser also??
I know, I know rookie questions, but you guys may keep me from getting a lemon.
I'm trying to get my kids on the water for $1000. THX
 

nola mike

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
5,449
Re: 1980 ebko Cobra ???????

sorry for another stupid question,,, but you mean IF it's the 3.7L Mercruiser, then it shouldn't have an OMC outdrive??? probably another Mercruiser also??
I know, I know rookie questions, but you guys may keep me from getting a lemon.
I'm trying to get my kids on the water for $1000. THX

IF it's a 4 cyl 170 hp, then it IS a merc 470 paired to a merc outdrive. I don't think OMC made a 170 hp 4 cyl. And it isn't an OMC cobra. I wouldn't be too afraid of the 470, but I'm a bit biased. More important is maintenance and condition of the boat.
 
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