87 ebbtide out drive swap?

[Leardriver80]

I'm relatively new to boating and am considering buying a 87 ebbtide cuddy that has a Chevy 350 and an OMC outdrive. I've read a bunch of posts stating the reasons for not buying anything with an OMC outdrive. My question is, if I get this boat for cheap, could I run it until the outdrive needs work and then swap it out with a refurbished or new Merc outdrive? If so, about how much would that cost? Would it require a new transom or anything like that? I really like the design and quality of this boat.

The owner is asking $3500 but feel I could probably get it for cheaper.

Thoughts?

 

[Bondo]

If so, about how much would that cost?

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... It could easily run twice the price ya mention,....

 

[bajaunderground]

Parts for OMC are not plentiful; however, they are readily available. SEI has lowers for $1,045 (new, not remanufactured), you can find them on ebay and various others remanufactured. All that being said, if it's in good shape mechanically and maintained meticulously, there's no reason you cannot expect it to last for many years. As with most things boat, condition and maintenance are paramount.

My buddy has a 1987 Celebrity with the original 305 and OMC outdrive, he's not even meticulous about maintenance and he's not had any issues...he puts roughly 40hours a year on it...

To my knowledge, you can replace the whole transom assembly and drive fairly easy as the key hole needs very little modification? No experience, only what I've seen on iboats...

To Bondo's point...you might find a similar boat with a Mercruiser and be ahead financially in the long run?