Going from OMC to Merc; any tips?

[jimchere]

After my '82 'Rude 50hp gave it up (block beyond repair), I'm going with a sweet deal I found for repowering with a '96 Merc 50.<br />In my time with the OMC, I've become quite familiar with it and read the manual. The Merc will be a new world for me to learn.<br /><br />Any opinions on the 50hp 3 cyl Merc and how I should treat it as opposed to the 2cyl OMC? This motor is cherry and has less than 150 hrs on it, from a very reputable source.

 

[DJ]

Re: Going from OMC to Merc; any tips?

Care for it the same.<br /><br />Prop it to the high side of the RPM range.

 

[BillP]

Re: Going from OMC to Merc; any tips?

My advice...don't do a merc. Find another 50 omc.

 

[MercMark]

Re: Going from OMC to Merc; any tips?

popular opinions i've heard are:<br /><br />omc for durability low hassle<br /><br />merc for high performance<br /><br />if you're not afraid to use a socket set and want to be fastest on the water, you're merc.<br /><br />Then again my dad had an early 60's 500 on his 14' cedar strip. Towing skiers and tubes from sun up do sunset about 15 gallons through each day of the weekend for about twenty years. The boat rotted out from under the motor once he got to old and busy to sand it every year. He sold the motor to an antique motor collector. Just care for it.

 

[jimchere]

Re: Going from OMC to Merc; any tips?

Thanks folks.<br />Hey, I'm not brand freak, just wanna decent mid-range motor; which is hard to find up in the NE these days.<br />I respect the 2cyl OMC's, but you can't find one worth a crud around here.<br />Yep, I'm a stickler for maintenance and got plenty of tools. Just ordered the manual for the Merc (1996 50ELPTO).<br />Good motor? I'm looking for opinions, all welcome (including the one above saying "find another OMC").

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Going from OMC to Merc; any tips?

I'm with Billp on this one, partly because I'm partial to OMC's and that you are familiar with the brand..

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Going from OMC to Merc; any tips?

If the Merc's in the shape you describe, go for it! Good luck!

 

[jimalsk]

Re: Going from OMC to Merc; any tips?

It's like driving Chevys all your life and then one day you buy a Ford. You still have to turn the key to start it. They all have there little quirks built in you just have to adjust. If its a deal go for it.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Going from OMC to Merc; any tips?

they both have fuel, spark, and compression. neither is better than the other, it all matters how it is taken care of!!!!!!