Opinion? OMC 185 VIP boat

[warrenjets]

Hello everybody. Im new to this forum but I have gotten alot of good info off of it.
Im just got my hands on a 1978 VIP v-hull open bow boat with a GREAT trailer. THe boat has a 305 chevy v8 and 2 barrell.. I believe I can get it to run but both of the foward motor mounts are rotten and collapesed.. I got the entire package for 500.00.. (they guy owed me money and I fig the Trailer was worth it.).. ANywhoo.. what kinda info do you guys know about these boats and is it worth repairing.. I dont hear alot of good things about the OMC.. THanks...Love the Website.. JAKE

 

[jakebrake]

Re: Opinion? OMC 185 VIP boat

stringer drives weren't bad (going by people i know who owned them ) but omc went out of business in 2002. the parts for them are getting a whole lot harder to get. some parts are near impossible to get.

stopped me from buying one..shame too. nice boat

 

[H8tank]

Re: Opinion? OMC 185 VIP boat

I am curious which parts are impossible to get? Can you tell me about one?

 

[jakebrake]

Re: Opinion? OMC 185 VIP boat

Ah, the parsing of words.

i suppose you didn't notice the word "near" in the statement. I was going by the advice of 7 different matinas in my area when I made the decision not to buy that boat.

Ironically, i also went by the advice of several folks on this site. Bond-o, ht32bsx115, dons and a70 eliminator who have gone through this situation,

perhaps you didn't like my response. fair enough. i felt that warrenjets is entitled to know what others have gone through in an attemp to find parts.

to the extent that i have offended anyone, please accept my humble apology.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Opinion? OMC 185 VIP boat

A buddy of mine last year blew $1300 on ebay for parts for his stringer drive. He used it once before it overheated & toasted his manifolds. He sold the boat for $500.

 

[td8]

Re: Opinion? OMC 185 VIP boat

I got a OMC stringer drive an I haven't had any problems getting parts.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Opinion? OMC 185 VIP boat

i have a 305 chevy with a omc outdrive.....so far so good. I take good care of it though, because I know i want it to last.

 

[warrenjets]

Re: Opinion? OMC 185 VIP boat

What kind of performance does this motor put out. I have no problem changing out cams or heads. As for the OMC outdrive...I have to pull the motor anyways so i guess I can take a good look at it. I will try and get some pics up as soon as possible. I had read that this has some kinda "hydralift" system that is known to be a pain. Any input on that. THanks again. Jake

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Opinion? OMC 185 VIP boat

mine has a 4 barrel on it, rated at 230 hp. I think the 2 barrel is rated slightly less, im not sure though. my boat does 40 or so pretty easily, maybe faster. ill find out next trip for sure. Do you have any pics of the outdrive? Just think...if you have to rebuild the outdrive, how long will it last? you may have to hunt down some parts maybe, but i would think it would be good to go for quite a few years, making it worth it.