Should I buy or not?

1oldtimer

Recruit
Joined
May 31, 2020
Messages
3
Hi All
And Thank You for Having me. I am new to the forum but not new to boating.
I am about to/want to pull the trigger on a 1990 205 Sundowner. 4.3l HO. The boat is clean and sounds and runs good. It looks like the boat has been taken care of.
My question is: Are parts available such as Risers, Elbows, hoses etc....? Or should I walk away and keep looking?
I really like the boat but I am a little skiddish when it comes to OMC parts. I know they went out a few years back.
Any insight would be helpful and much appreciated.
Thank you,
​​​​​​​Frank
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,314
:welcome: to iBoats

Yes, a few years back . . . 20 years. Try Googling for parts and see what you come up with. There are a few folks on the forum who have OMC and manage to keep them running. However, it is not something you may want to get into if you have a choice.

What does "sounds and runs good" really mean? In the driveway running via a garden hose? or in the water water under normal operating conditions. There is a big difference. Even engines in bad condition will run and sound fine with no load.
 

1oldtimer

Recruit
Joined
May 31, 2020
Messages
3
Hi and Thank you for the welcome and the reply.
In the driveway with the ole garden hose :) WOW, has it been 20 yrs already? I know Im getting up there but damn.....
The boat has a New Quadrajet 4bbl Carb, Complete Tune up, Bellows, Gimbal Bearing, Water pump, Oil and Filter, New Tach, Fuel Sending unit and Gauge.
I dont mind working on the engine (usally do all my own work) but if parts availability is an issue then ?????
 

Bondo

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Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,241
but if parts availability is an issue then ?????

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... OMC has been outa business for 'bout 30 years now,.....

Save yerself alota grief, 'n buy a Merc, or Volvo,.....
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,732
Plus that year OMG has batwing manifolds.... Definitely pass
 
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