Advice

[HopsnBarley]

I'm looking at a 1995 Fourwins 19'. It is powered by a OMC/Volvo SX drive. What does that mean? I read that is was a joint venture, but I am unsure if this is a good boat to buy? Everyone tells me to stay with merc, but the guy selling it says there is nothing wrong with it. If it's a good combo, what should I inspect on this engine/outdrive before I buy?

Thanks!

Glenn

 

[captmello]

Re: Advice

The outdrive is a volvo, nothing wrong with that. What engine does it have?

 

[HopsnBarley]

Re: Advice

It has a 5.0l. Says OMC on the top of the motor. Guy said it's a Ford. So basically this is a good setup? It's the old OMCs to stay away from?

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Advice

as long as it is not a Cobra drive you are ok and even then you are ok if you maintain. They ended Cobra production in 1993.

The Cobra was produced until 1993, when OMC redesigned it to use a cone-clutch shifting mechanism originated by Volvo-Penta. I don't know if OMC purchased gears and etc. made by Volvo, or just copied Volvo's design. OMC was having financial difficulties at that time, and sold a 50% stake in their sterndrive business to Volvo-Penta. This new sterndrive is available with one prop ("SX") or dual props ("DP"). The new SX/DP drive retains many of the original Cobra castings.


The problem was with the shift cable. They look the same on the outside but they changed the guts so you should be good.

 

[HopsnBarley]

Re: Advice

I am reading conflicting information. Some say Ford parts are hard to get, and other say small block ford parts are no problem. I like the boat, seems to be in excellent shape and the price seems reasonable ($7500 Canada, everything is expensive here) but I don't want to screw myself with a bad setup.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Advice

I am reading conflicting information. Some say Ford parts are hard to get, and other say small block ford parts are no problem. I like the boat, seems to be in excellent shape and the price seems reasonable ($7500 Canada, everything is expensive here) but I don't want to screw myself with a bad setup.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... SBFord parts are easier to find than BBFord parts,...
But,....
Ford hasn't been in the Marine market for nearly 20 years now, 'n weren't all that popular when they were,...

Chevy is 'bout the Only game in town, now-a-days,...

 

[muc]

Re: Advice

Might want to shy away from Ford EFI but carb motors are not to bad.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Advice

Even if its EFI, you do have the option of converting to a carb at a later date if the EFI goes south. Just price in the cost of a carb and an intake manifold.

 

[Jammer864]

Re: Advice

I have a 94 5.8EFI in my Four Winns and, knock on wood, have had no problems with it for 13 years. Its true that several marine-safe EFI parts are no longer available. The SX Cobra drive is a good drive and it has turned into the Volvo SX drive and parts are not a problem in getting. All that said, if I was doing it all over, I would go with a Mercruiser, not because I think they are better, but because they are easier to get parts for. Resale on the Ford EFI powered boats would also be less if that matters to you.

As for inspecting it, ALL the money is in the back of the boat. Forget how nice and shiny the rest of it is. Do a compression check on all cylinders, run it on muffs (or in water if available) and check for water leaks that might indicate freeze damage. Check the drive oil for water contamination. You may not realize how easy it is to sell a freeze damaged boat to someone that doesnt know much about boats so please have a mechanic inspect it.

 

[4now04]

Re: Advice

I bought a '95 190 Horizon with a 5.0 EFI new and put over 2000 hours on it during 18 seasons. I never had the motor or Volvo sx out drive apart for any repair work. I did pull the out drive every year to grease the gimbal bearing and u joints. I had great luck with mine and recommend it. The EFI worked great.