interchangable sterndrives?

[mattman21]

'86 23' marlin day cruise, fuel injected gm 350, omc stringer 800.<br /><br />The upper gearcase on my omc 800 has eaten itself, rather than replace those parts, I'm looking into the possibility of changing the whole sterndrive to a more modern cobra or other type of outdrive. Does anyone know if that's possible and how to do it?

 

[ndemge]

Re: interchangable sterndrives?

I've wondered the same thing... seems to be a pretty big hole in the back where that rubber boot goes...

 

[Lark40]

Re: interchangable sterndrives?

Past postings I've seen have said that you would need to replace the transom in order to use a Cobra/Volvo or Merc drive. That's because they use such a smaller opening.

 

[Lou C]

Re: interchangable sterndrives?

Check out www.sterndrive.com and go on to the OMC forum. Do a search,there is a guy who has actually done this, it is an involved procedure, so you have to love that boat in order for it to be worth it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: interchangable sterndrives?

I did a 1974 22' Highliner last winter... And I'm doing a 1973 25' Old Town Atlantis now.....<br />Yes, It's a VERY Involved Process.....<br />It's a "NEW" Boat when I'm done.....<br /><br />If you Really LOVE the Hull... Go For It..!!!

 

[mattman21]

Re: interchangable sterndrives?

yeah I just acquired the boat so I'm not attached to it enough to spend much more money on it, I was just thinking maybe it'd be the most cost-effective way of doing it since the 800 is an older drive. But it looks like I'll just replace the upper gearset. Anyone know where a really good deal on it could be?

 

[pecothern]

Re: interchangable sterndrives?

http://sterndrive.info.hosting.domaindirect.com/id25.html