OMC Stringer drive: to keep or not to keep

[endless summer]

OK guys, I need opinions. I got my 3.6 engine back in and the boat runs great! Now my mind runs to whether to keep this rig or not. I have rebuilt the old engine and put a new water pump impeller in the outdrive. I did all of this myself with the help of this forum.Since it runs so well I am tempted to keep it and respray the gelcoat and outdrive. This is a mech shift outdrive and with new paint it would really look good. The boat is a 1987 Fabuglas and is in really good shape My other side says sell while it is in good shape and buy a newer boat with a Merc Outdrive for parts purposes. The only OMC part I have not been able to get is the ex manifolds. I used Merc instead and adapted to the OMC exhaust hub ports. Any thoughts? I would not mind having a newer boat, but paid for is a pretty color.

 

[Wart T]

Re: OMC Stringer drive: to keep or not to keep

Well you are apparently mechanically inclined so you can probably work on the drive yourself, then again maybe not. My point of view is I would not recommend putting any money into the drive for repairs. I think if you can sell it, I would recommend you do so.<br />I do understand having a paid for boat, however. Perhaps you could go ahead and spiff it all up and decide how much money you are willing to part with to keep it. Then if you reach that limit declare the boat lost and sell or get rid of it. Hopefully you will have had many hours of good use by then.<br />Sorta like a 10 year old dog that gets sick. Do you spend the money to fix him knowing he may not live long anyway, or do you have him euthanized?<br />Stringers can be repaired and parts can be had.

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC Stringer drive: to keep or not to keep

My other side says sell while it is in good shape and buy a newer boat with a Merc Outdrive for parts purposes.

Listen to your Smarter Side..................................... <br /><br />An Older Mercruiser would be an Improvement, from where You're standing Now..........

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: OMC Stringer drive: to keep or not to keep

Endless Everything tells me you should dump this boat.... BUT...The engine is rebuilt,and the drive hase been off and a new WPI installed.<br /><br />So you won't have an engine problem,you've solved the manifold problem.In two years the outdrive will come off without cutting the shift cable,and you'll be able to put in another WPI becuse it has been apart.<br /><br />Look at the ball gears,and be sure they are no more than 1/3 worn.Check the intermediate housing,upper drive,and lower unit oil,for water.<br /><br />If these pass muster... I think I'd enjoy it for awhile.<br /><br />As for gelcoat/paint and other cosmetics,only if you can do them yourself.You'll never get that money back.(unless you really want to take advantage of someone)<br />DHP

 

[endless summer]

Re: OMC Stringer drive: to keep or not to keep

Werll guys , thanks for the advice. I am going to enjoy "Endless Summer" for the rest of the season here (which for me ends around Thanksgiving) then respray the gel-coat,touch up the interior,and give it a good cleaning and put it up for sale. In the meantime I will look for a newer boat. I will get a Merc-cruiser. Any suggestions? Thanks again, I have gotten more hints and enjoyed this website as much as I do working on my cars and boat. Since I do 99% of my own work (including paint, the only thing that goes out is upholstry, and that to a friend in my car club with whom I swap out legal work)cost of that is not great and this gives me a lot of freedom to do better trades.Anyway thanks and keep on posting.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: OMC Stringer drive: to keep or not to keep

Endless---Was this your first boat? If so, everything from now on will seem easy!<br /><br />If you are moving up, get more power than you think you could possibly use and buy as big a boat as your vehicle will haul. The Merc Alpha drive-Chevy 350 combo is hard to beat. Volvo and Ford have some great drive-motor combos too.<br /><br />Set up your searches on any of 3 or 4 web sites and have them automatically send you email when a new boat comes up on your search. You have to be patient, but at the same time, you might have to make a quick decision once one comes up.<br /><br />I made an offer on the telephone for my rig, contingent of course on a satisfactory sea trial.<br />The guy on the other end was a banker so he knew that a legitimate offer on the phone is a contract---some of the yahoos out there don't understand this.<br /><br />I saved at least $5K under the Kelly Marine Blue Book value, but it took me almost a year to find the right rig.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[endless summer]

Re: OMC Stringer drive: to keep or not to keep

ddboater, thanks for the advice. This is my third boat.The other two were small outboard ski boats. This is my first I/O. I am intrigued by your internet suggestion. Can you suggest some boat sites? I would appreciate it. Thanks

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: OMC Stringer drive: to keep or not to keep

boattrader.com is great.<br />iboats also has a site.<br />There are other sites for performance boats.<br /><br />I have owned Crestliner, Cobalt and Baja boats---all I/Os.<br /><br />All have been good to me, Cobalt was the best, but it also carries the highest price. Cobalt has replacement fuses and dash hardware for boats made in the 70s-----try that with any other manufacturer!