OMC cobra drive swap

[admiral52]

So I bought a rebuild able 86 Searay 20' with an OMC 5.7 4v and a cobra drive. The lower drive was already in pieces and looks damaged. I've read Omc drives aren't worth saving, so what's the best choice for me here. Replace the lower unit? Replace the entire drive? Which drive would make a good replacement? Money isn't much of an issue, but I sure don't want to put 4000 dollars in to fix a boat that's barely worth that..

 

[boobie]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

JMHO, I'd buy a new boat.

 

[matt167]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

Replace outdrive with This conversion kit, and This leg.

Should be under $2k for the repair using NEW parts if the engine, and manifolds are still good

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

Try to find an OMC qualified tech.
They can look at your pile O parts and tell if it's good.
The parts need special tools to be assembled right.
Or find a lower on the net.
There are dealers out there who still rebuild.
Just make sure you read the manual and fill the drive oil right.

 

[admiral52]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

Thanks! That's very helpful!

 

[admiral52]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

Except you boobie, go troll another site..

 

[boobie]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

You said yourself the boat was hardly worth it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

You said yourself the boat was hardly worth it.

Ayuh,... I agree with ya, even in a project boat, the OMC driveline is nothin' but a handicap,...

Ya convert the drive to Merc, 'n yer still stuck with the OMC dressin's on the motor 'n the OMC transom assembly,...

Part out what ya got, 'n go Merc from pulleys to prop,...
Then you'll have abit of Value when yer done,...

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

This kind of help from the MODs??
Why even post??
Nothing nice to say,say nothing.

 

[Nivekt]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

I dont see anything wrong with what the mods are posting. If you are looking to get some years out of this boat then why not update to an engine/drive that is currently being manufactured and has support out there? Less headaches in the end.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

This kind of help from the MODs??
Why even post??
Nothing nice to say,say nothing.

Saying nothing is not always the best plan........the truth is not always nice, but it's still the truth.

 

[admiral52]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

Read the post boobie. I said it's hardly worth 4000. Not hardly worth working on.. It's a nice boat design (except the drive) and it's going to be a fun boat. Most important, I like it. So those of you that gave helpful advice, thank you.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

The lower part of the drive is relatively affordable. $700 OMC Cobra Outdrive Lower Unit Gear Case Resealed 3 0 4 3 5 0 5 7 5 8 14 26 | eBay

Have you taken a peak at the upper gears? Would suck big ones to buy a lower and find the top is toast, too.

How does she run? Post some pics.

 

[HopinImFloatin]

Re: OMC cobra drive swap

Money isn't much of an issue, but I sure don't want to put 4000 dollars in to fix a boat that's barely worth that..[/QUOTE]

unfortunately, you probably will be doing just that especially if you replace the drive. I own an omc drive train and i do like it BUT no one in my area works on them anymore that i know of so im left to my own devices if something fails.most people here will sway you away from rebuilding anything with omc and for good reason but if your up for a challenge by all means go ahead, especially if its a boat you really like. just understand what you might be getting into. i wish i did some more research before i bought mine. on an 86 boat you might expect to be replacing stringers and such which will run somewhere in the neighborhood of 2k after all is said and done. so 4k after replacing a drive would be easy to achieve.