Please help me identify this omc sterndrive

[martin934]

Hello,
I am thinking of purchasing an old (early 70's) stamas that is in great shape. The boat is just what I need for fun with my family. The chevy 350 looks old, but runs good and has many new parts. It looks just like the auto 350's I rebuilt as a kid and has plenty of space for work around the motor. I am a little concerned with the outdrive mainly because I know very little about them. The owner is not sure whether it is original to the boat. It seems to work fine and the owner reports no troubles. I'm hoping someone can help me identify it and tell me whether I will be able to repair/replace it in the future as needed without major transom work.

Thanks

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Please help me identify this omc sterndrive

Old OMC Stringer drive. Parts are very scarce and expensive.
As far as a repower you would need to rebuild the transom and cut a new hole to fit a Merc or Volvo...TONS OF WORK!!!
So much better to buy a boat with a drive made by a company that still sells parts..Mercruiser or Volvo.
OMC has been gone for about 12 years...
That boat will be a HUGE money eating machine.

 

[martin934]

Re: Please help me identify this omc sterndrive

Thanks so much for your quick reply!

Do you know if it's one of the 1977 and earlier "electric shift OMC stringers" or the 1978 to 1985 "mechanical shift OMC stringers" I'm actively searching for a boat about 24' and 10 grand (although the above boat was only 5k.) I would like a small v berth and more deck space rather than a "camper" style boat. Most boats in this class seem to be I/O.

I am more familiar with outboards, as I currently have an 18' runabout with a 1993 90hp evinrude.

I have a mooring in buzzards bay, MA and want to day trip/fish with my wife and three kids. I trying to learn as much as I can.

Thanks

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Please help me identify this omc sterndrive

Being its an early 70's it may be the electric shift...Some of the Stringer guys should chime in.
For 10k you should find a way better boat.
5K for a 70's OMC powered boat is just way too much!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Please help me identify this omc sterndrive

I am thinking of purchasing an old (early 70's) stamas that is in great shape. The boat is just what I need for fun with my family.

Ayuh,.... Don't do it....

As noted, it's WAY Over-priced...
Buy any boat you want, as long as it's NOT OMC powered...

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Please help me identify this omc sterndrive

......(although the above boat was only 5k.) ...

Whoa! Stand Down! This day in age, there are very few boats of that age worth close to 5K, let alone one with the old electric shift stringer.

You ought to widen your scope of searching or have a little patience until summer is over. You will be amazed at what you can find for 5K.

Even if they gave you that boat you could not even convert it to one of the newer mechanical shift OMC's. That is a high profile drive leg and they did not make an equivalant in the later mechanical shift drives.

 

[martin934]

Re: Please help me identify this omc sterndrive

Thanks everyone,

After doing some research I thought that I'd be stuck with no options if I had a problem with the drive, that's why I posted. You all confirmed it for me and I appreciate it.

I'm not in a hurry, just in the market. I'm already in the water with my other boat.

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. No amount of reading takes the place of years of experience!

 

[martin934]

Re: Please help me identify this omc sterndrive

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don
Please, NO PM's (Private Messages) regarding boat/engine problems.
That is what these forums are for.

Did I PM someone?? If I did I apologize. I certainly did not intend to do that.