possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

[holtzer1]

ok, it's an 89 bayliner capri 18.5 footer, 2.3l i/o configuration. i have read alot of the bayline bashing threads, so i wish not for it to turn into one. theres people who love em, theres those who hate em..it is what it is. anyway, this boat has been garaged all its like, great condition inside and out. my big question is this...what is an L drive? what should i look for to know if its an L drive or not. i'm new to boating, hence the bigger reason i'm lookin at an entry level boat, but anyway...like i said. i really would like to know how to determine if its an l drive or not as this will be my deciding factor as to if i pick it up or not.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

What is it merc.omc?

No power with that 2.3.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

It is not an L drive; it is an OMC cobra drive. I had one, certainly not a super powerful boat but a sturdy fuel efficient motor. In mint condition that boat would need to be $2500 or so; so dont pay too much. if it is in typical worn condition, dont pay more than 1500 - and that assumes it is in good running shape mechanically.

Ideally, you should look for a boat with a mercuiser 3.0 or 4.3L powertrain, very reliable and the most popular...millions sold. Avoid the 3.7 L mercruiser 170/190hp 4cyl. lots of issues with that rig.

 

[180shabah]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

Regular I/O's use automotive based engines
The L-Drive used an outboard powerhead and should be avoided.
As mentioned above there are other power packages that you should steer clear of as well. All versions of the Mercruiser 3.7L 4 cyl and anything OMC.

any other Mercruiser or VP would be a better choice, particurlarly since this is a first boat.

 

[holtzer1]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

well, we are going to meet up and take the boat out on wednesday. we dont ski, but tubing is not out of the question for us.i'm not really paying anything out of pocket..trading my 4 wheeler which i really dont ride... even up. the boat has been gone through front to back and top to bottom, and it shows..extremely clean boat. i'm not lookin for a speed demon, just something to get us out on the water for a little fun till the economy picks back up and we can buy something nicer. i have been reading of horror stories about the L drives, so i really wanted to clear that up before i bothered driving an hour to go look at this thing.
i'm not too worried about the engine being automotive based, i've been an ase ertified mechanic for a long time now, i can rebuild that engine in my sleep. tinkered with a few of those for dirt track cars..they can be built to put out 300ish hp rather easily...and reliably.
when you say stay away from omc, do you mean the engine, or a different part?

on top of those things, this will be an inland boat as we live in missouri, table rock lake, tanneycomo, lake of the ozarks, and maybe if i'm feelin brave, a trip on the muddy mo.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

Omc refers to the drive & marinization of the engine.....
It is a 4 cyl Ford.....
Omc went out of biz 10+ years ago, they are getting harder to find parts for......
Personally, I'd pass.....

 

[chiefalen]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

Times are tough all over.

I just would not recommend a omc anything.

Keep looking, winters almost here a better deal could be right around the corner.

These guys gave it to you straight.

A 3.0 merc, volvo or a 4.3. In a 18-19 footer.

Freshwater.

Good luck!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

holtzer, "Obsolete engine coupled to an obsolete drive."
What do you think is the best course of action?

 

[Dakota47]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

Dont let the merc guys scare you,, OMC Cobra`s are a very good outdrive. but parts are hard to find sometimes.

 

[180shabah]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

Dont let the merc guys scare you,, OMC Cobra`s are a very good outdrive.

I wasn't knocking the quality or the durability of the OMC's

but parts are hard to find sometimes.

This is the true issue. Nothing more frustrating to a new boater, who may not understand the total cost of boating yet, than discovering that the great deal they just got is going to be one of the most expensive boats to maintain.

 

[drrm123]

Re: possibly getting a new (to me) boat..and have a question

how much do you think your 4 wheeler is worth? if about $2000 or less go ahead and trade and have fun with boat for awhile, the worst thing that could happen you decide you dont want a boat and sell it? if you get close to what truck is worth i would not worry, just get service manual and change all fluids dont abuse it and you should not have any problems. I bought my 1981 omc from auction and have not had any trouble with it except for what i caused by running on rocks when river was getting low. I should not have been there in the first place normally go to lake but wanted to take someone out for a ride. damaged waterpump shaft. found another boat for $100 to get donor parts. so have extra engine and sterndrive. i have learned a lot and know what to look for when i ready for a larger boat. only paid $300 at charity auction. probably spent more on safety gear than the actual boat. check oil before and after taking boat out look for moisture, watch temp gauge, see if boat tach reaches rated rpm, make sure it goes in gear without grinding. if your an automechanic should not have trouble maintaining. i mainly worked on cars myself.