When is the OMC too old?

[btravlin]

Hi there, I know alot about boat restoration, some things about diesels and OB's, but nothing about I/O's. <br /><br />I'm thinking of buying a 1982 Robalo 22' with an OMC setup. I have a 200 hp OB I can throw on it. My assumption is that a motor/stern-drive that old isn't worth maintaining because of parts availability, cost, old technology, and more breakdowns on the horizon. The motor runs now, but I am thinking of just running it until it dies and then switch to the OB. Is this the safer bet? All I know at this point is that the stern drive is an electric shift. What's that mean? Thanks.....

 

[hondon]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

If it is an electric it is older than 82 so you will need to do a little more research into what you are considering buying.

 

[tylerin]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

I have a 200 hp OB I can throw on it.

A little more dificult than that. It would be cheaper to find a boat that would be easier to accomodate that OB. JMHO

 

[Don S]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

If it's an electric shift, you don't want it.<br />A boat that is designed for an I/O is not suitable for hanging an outboard on with out doing a lot of transom rework.<br />Outboards require thicker transoms and different bracing to the stringers to hold the weight and twisting motions not seen with the I/0.<br />Your best bet would be to find a boat designed for an outboard already.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

If the boat, in fact, is an '82 and it has an electric shift OMC O/D on it, someone has been playing mix and match.<br /><br />Omc quit making the electric shift in '78 or '79. My boat is a 1975. It came with the electric shift. In late '79 I switched over to the new cable shift and I still have it, works great.

 

[btravlin]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

If I got the boat and trailer for $500 and I already have the OB then I might consider rebuilding the transom as worth it.....although you're right; an OB-designed hull would be preferable. But this conversion isn't new or uncommon. <br /><br />Thanks for the vote of no-confidence on the electric-shift. The drive-train is a throwaway.....

 

[Scaaty]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

Any $500 boat will set you back another $2500 easy....real easy lately with parts seemily to be gold plated at the prices wanted

 

[Dexloy]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

I have 22 Robalo that has a 200 johny put on a bracket the boat rides great and handles like a 26 footer!!

 

[Don S]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

Dexloy<br />Do you realize this post is 6 months old. The original poster has probably already made a decision and has long since given up checking this thread for further information.

 

[Dexloy]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

hehe I do now lol

 

[johnrude]

Re: When is the OMC too old?

If you like the boat repower it. Im sure you can find a dealer like www.barnaclebillsmarinesupply.com Check out there shopwork page. The removed the whole omc package and replaced with mercruiser.