Seems clear to me that from many posting, OMC Saildrives are not very popular. But what characteristics about them don't people like. I know no one likes blue smoke or heavy vibration, but that does not make a motor bad????? Do these engines suffer from frequent breakdown? are they known for caughting on fire? do they leak fluids? Why the bad rap? There are some sweet deals on the market for boats with these engines. Tell me why I should walk away.
- Status
A few facts
I am no expert, but I do have an OMC in my Oday 25. It was rebuilt in 1999, and runs well. So far, I have not had any major problems with it, and the trouble I have encountered is probably similar to any other saildrive. (gear linkage, blown exhaust hose, clogged water intake) The down side to OMC is lack of parts. For example, O rings cannot be found. The other problem is the same with any inboard, which is you have to pull the boat to perform major repair work, or even change the oil in the lower unit. If you have a trailer, no problem. You might want to check out the Yahoo saildrive page. Many saildrive owners trouble shooting various problems. Read those posts to get an idea about it. I think OMCs are like British sports cars. (I had one 30 years ago) If you like to tinker with the engine, it's a good match. I didn't like it then, but I am learning now. Just my 2 cents. Alan
I am no expert, but I do have an OMC in my Oday 25. It was rebuilt in 1999, and runs well. So far, I have not had any major problems with it, and the trouble I have encountered is probably similar to any other saildrive. (gear linkage, blown exhaust hose, clogged water intake) The down side to OMC is lack of parts. For example, O rings cannot be found. The other problem is the same with any inboard, which is you have to pull the boat to perform major repair work, or even change the oil in the lower unit. If you have a trailer, no problem. You might want to check out the Yahoo saildrive page. Many saildrive owners trouble shooting various problems. Read those posts to get an idea about it. I think OMCs are like British sports cars. (I had one 30 years ago) If you like to tinker with the engine, it's a good match. I didn't like it then, but I am learning now. Just my 2 cents. Alan
The OMC
Dennis: You are right that there are some sweet deals out there for boats with OMC saildrives. There are many saildrives and the modern ones have either a 4-stroke Honda or some kind of diesel with the diesel the preferred power plant. So when I speak of saildrives here I mean the ones with the OMC engine. I have one on an O'day 28 and the engine itself is a fine engine in that it has lots of power, doesn't vibrate and is fairly quiet except when seated behind the wheel. I did have it rebuilt to the tune of $2,000 (about the cost of a new outboard of the same size) and it runs fine. The downside features are: must mix oil and gas at refuel, smelly exhaust fumes, not at all fuel efficient, loud as hell at the transom, the ring which seals the drive itself to the hull is not available from Bombardier but all other parts are, any maintenance which requires pulling the engine out completely requires a haul out of the boat. The reason why the OMC boats are priced less is that the engine has a bad rep and it devalues the boat. When my engine finally dies I will most likely go for the Honda 4-stroke option. Before you buy one with an OMC I'd give it a very thorough sea trial (like a full hour at full throttle) and then you'll know how well you like the engine. If you can get a comparable boat:quality, age, condition, size, accessories, etc and you have the choice of a diesel or an OMC and the price for the diesel is $4,000 or less difference then get the diesel. You won't be sorry. Whatever you buy, enjoy the sport it's a wonderful life. Mike
Dennis: You are right that there are some sweet deals out there for boats with OMC saildrives. There are many saildrives and the modern ones have either a 4-stroke Honda or some kind of diesel with the diesel the preferred power plant. So when I speak of saildrives here I mean the ones with the OMC engine. I have one on an O'day 28 and the engine itself is a fine engine in that it has lots of power, doesn't vibrate and is fairly quiet except when seated behind the wheel. I did have it rebuilt to the tune of $2,000 (about the cost of a new outboard of the same size) and it runs fine. The downside features are: must mix oil and gas at refuel, smelly exhaust fumes, not at all fuel efficient, loud as hell at the transom, the ring which seals the drive itself to the hull is not available from Bombardier but all other parts are, any maintenance which requires pulling the engine out completely requires a haul out of the boat. The reason why the OMC boats are priced less is that the engine has a bad rep and it devalues the boat. When my engine finally dies I will most likely go for the Honda 4-stroke option. Before you buy one with an OMC I'd give it a very thorough sea trial (like a full hour at full throttle) and then you'll know how well you like the engine. If you can get a comparable boat:quality, age, condition, size, accessories, etc and you have the choice of a diesel or an OMC and the price for the diesel is $4,000 or less difference then get the diesel. You won't be sorry. Whatever you buy, enjoy the sport it's a wonderful life. Mike
- Status