OMC Stern Drives- Dinosaurs or OK?

Woody from Camlachie,On	I am considering a first boat purchase, probably under 20 ft Bowrider, 1987-1993,I/O equipped. My questions are: a. One potential boat has a 1988-9, 4.3 OMC Cobra, with OMC stern drive. Reliable sources are saying to stay away from OMC, as parts & service are going to become tough to acquire in future, since Bombardier has stated they will not support OMC stern drives. b. Another source claims that Volvo/Penta bought OMC Cobra and is supporting it. c. Comments?	2002-07-27
mako	I am currently running a Renken with a 4.3 with the Cobra Outdrive. I have not had any problems with the outdrive since I obtained it last April 2001. This boat is pretty much on loan as I saved it from rotting away in my buddies yard. I did have trouble with the manifolds last year and needed some gaskets and a rubber riser boot. I had some trouble geting the parts but did finally find them. If I were you I would stay away from the OMC just because of the unknown factor of getting parts. Just my 2 cents!	2002-07-28
Lark40	I have a 1987 OMC 4.3 in my Starcraft. It shifts much smoother than the 2001 Mercruiser Alpha 1 that I just sold. Am impressed with it's engineering and operation. An authority like G. Van Paris on another site has said that OMC Cobra parts are not a problem at this time. I have recently ordered parts through BoatUS with no problems. However, be sure that you can get professional service in your area. Parts won't help if you can't install them yourself.	2002-07-28
sea wolf	I also have an 87 OMC 3.0. no major problems except for a couple bad seals. take it for a sea trial, & see how it shifts. any binding may indicate a shift cable out of adj. which must be corrected. once it's adj. properly that unit will shift with 2 fingers. i've had no problem obtaining parts. OMC has a bad rap which is undeserved. merc. has cornered the market not from quality, but from good marketing strategy. witness the Bravo 111 fiasco.	2002-07-28
capercanuck	I've got a 5.7L with OMC sterndrive and it runs really well. It shifts "smooth as silk" and has been qu ite reliable, so far. There doesn't seem to be any major problems with obtaining parts. I also hav a 6 cyl Merc with sterndrive and it doesn't shift nearly as smoothly. I hope I continue to have luck with the OMC cause I really like it. But, it's like anything else, if they stop producing parts....you're SOL.	2002-07-28

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