Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

[revrider]

i was just wondering if anyone can tell me the big differences between the mercruiser and OMC cobra...i've heard alot a bad things about OMC but i dont know anything about either of them. Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

Moving to I/O

 

[skicat]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

I used to have an OMC electric shift. In ten years, I don't think I got through one season without some kind of problem. My boats have had mercruiser alpha 1 since, and have been relatively trouble free. Never had a cobra.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

My 1986 cobra works very well. Mind you I've only used it one season. I have the power steering and power trim on mine...really nice features that make the boating experience that much better!

 

[Lark40]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

The OMC Cobras were made from 1986-1993. The technology was then sold to Volvo, which used some of the drive unit. OMC went out of business in 2000. Bombardier bought the Johnson and Evinrude brands from OMC.<br /><br />Just search this forum for "Cobra" and you will find lots of posts.

 

[revrider]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

thanks everyone for the info. I'm looking at buying a 1988 Four Winns horizon 200 with a 5.3 chevy enginge and the OMC cobra outdrive. My biggest worry was the OMC cobra because i had heard so much bad stuff on them. The price on the boat is 5500 and its in excellent shape with somewhere around 200 hrs on the motor.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

I've heard bad stuff on the OMC stringer drives...not the cobras.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

I have the same boat with a 4.3/Cobra. You need to find a place that knows Cobras and will be able to do the shift cable adjustment for you. See if you can find an OMC Dealer (now selling Johnson/Evinrude that was around when the sterndrives were still being sold, and has a tech that has gone to the OMC school and has the training. Once they are set up right they are fine. Parts for the regular Cobras are still available.When you sea trial the boat make sure it shifts well into and out of gear, and does not jump out of gear while on plane. Remove the lower unit drain plug to check for water in the outdrive oil if the owner will let you. The FW is a nice boat, it is well made. Be sure to check the boat for wood rot (floor, transom, wherever you can feel around). Tap on the floor and transom with the handle of a screwdriver, you want to hear a nice solid sound, not a dull hollow sound, possbily indicating rotten wood.

 

[revrider]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

thanks for the advice...i am buying(possibly) from a buddies brother so at least i know i can go back on him if it ends up breaking on me. Plus i've been on the boat before and they havent had any problems with the outdrive. Do you think its a decent price for that?

 

[denniz]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

truthfully noone puts out a BAD product, (early fichts are the exception) your motor is only as good as the last person who worked on it.If your brother who is a diesel mechanic is your boat mechanic you may have a problem(and you might be a redneck). Cobras are great if you have a qualified mechanic. If not it doesnt matter what you buy.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

On the price, if it is a good solid boat, the price is fair. I found the FW to be solid and well made. Just check it over well, boat stuff can add up fast. <br />Make sure you find a good local shop that knows what it is doing, many shops won't work on OMC outdrives.

 

[revrider]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

well thanks again everyone...i guess i found out what i wanted to know...hopefully i won't be on here asking questions on how to fix it if i decide to buy it

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Mercruiser vs. OMC cobra

Check the NADA book or Kelly Blue Book on the boat price. Is the trailer included--they are priced separately.<br /><br />Does not matter if the seller is a friend----worse if they are a relative.<br /><br />Also look at the same boat on any one of 3 or 4 internet used boat websites to get an idea of the going rate for that make and model. There will be hundreds of them out there.<br /><br />Take someone who knows boats on the sea trial---don't buy unless you drive. Drive a couple of boats with Mercruiser units if you want to compare.<br /><br />Just read this post awhile and see how many items start with "just got this boat" or "first time out with this boat and clunk, pink, sputter."<br /><br />Would you buy a "nice" 1988 car without looking at the book value and doing your homework?<br /><br />Good luck!