5.8 MercCruiser Engine

[GNJimC]

Anyone know anything about them? Looking at a 1990 200 Four Winns Candia Deck Boat. It has the 5.8 Merc Cruiser. This would be my sixth boat but only 2nd I/O. The rest have been O/B's. I am leary of the I/O's since if the motor goes, the boat is pretty much junk (at this age anyways) Does anyone know much about this engine package or Four Winns boats?

Thanks

 

[turbobuick]

My guess is it is a 351 WIndsor Ford motor it could be any number of outdrives from the alpha one to bravo 3 or even the volvo penta. I thought Four winns were decent boats.

 

[SouthernCal GN]

Even if that Merc puked on you, it's still a great bargain compared to replacing an outboard; a drop in engine for that vessel would be about 1/3 the cost of an outboard. You could get a reman longblock for about $800 to a grand.

I/Os are quieter, easier to maintain and repair, and proven powerplants. The drawback is a bit of los of interior room.

Four Winns are a good production boat, with a solid history.

 

[GNTIM]

If it has an OMC outdrive run...very fast. The 5.8 Windsor Ford marine motors were pretty good though.

 

[GNJimC]

Well I stand corrected...

I went and looked at the boat today and it DID NOT have a Merccruiser engine. I was not misled, just the older guy that owns the boat realy did not know. It is a 5.8 Cobra/OMC.

Previous post said "Run very fast if it is an OMC". Why? The outdrive was replaced about 3 years ago and I would be buying this boat for around $2K under the book value. I attached a pic of the boat for your viewing pleasure. BTW, This boat will be used in deep, freshwater lake.

I appreciate the feedback. Thanks

 

[SouthernCal GN]

Ok, here's the rundown- OMC (Outboard Motor Corp) had a novel idea- cut a large hole in the transom of the boat, seal it with a rubber boot, and let the motor mounts support both the weight of the engine and the outdrive.

Bad design.

Problem- the boot would fail, leaving an easy ingress for water.

OMC was acquired by Bombardier, and was more or less closed.

Parts are hard to find, and if you find them, they're expensive. Not too many OMC techs left, and most Merc and Volvo techs don't want to touch them.

Save yourself the heartache- that 2k you save now will seem like pocket change when you have to repair it.

Get a boat that has an outdrive that bolts to the outdrive- preferably a boat that has mechanical and maintenance records.

You do know that boat is an acronym for Break Out Another Thousand, right?

 

[GNTIM]

Ok, here's the rundown- OMC (Outboard Motor Corp) had a novel idea- cut a large hole in the transom of the boat, seal it with a rubber boot, and let the motor mounts support both the weight of the engine and the outdrive.

Bad design.

Problem- the boot would fail, leaving an easy ingress for water.

OMC was acquired by Bombardier, and was more or less closed.

Parts are hard to find, and if you find them, they're expensive. Not too many OMC techs left, and most Merc and Volvo techs don't want to touch them.

Save yourself the heartache- that 2k you save now will seem like pocket change when you have to repair it.

Get a boat that has an outdrive that bolts to the outdrive- preferably a boat that has mechanical and maintenance records.

You do know that boat is an acronym for Break Out Another Thousand, right?

All this is true and more. I used to be a boater, have worked on several friends boats over the years and heard many OMC horror stories...to many to list here.

 

[zeus87gn]

Technical definition of a Boat...
"A hole in the water into which one throws thier money"

Case closed.

 

[SouthernCal GN]

Hey, now, that's my bread and butter

I get to insure shiny fiberglass for those willing to throw their $$$ into the hole in the water......

 

[GNJimC]

Thanks for all the help

I agree with the statements about boats. I have my share of troubles. Kind of how I hate to get rid of my old reliable pontoon but the kids and wife say it is too slow and boring. With it, the old run-about, wave runner and fishing boat My peir looks like a marina. Trying to consolodate into less headaches.

Thanks for the input and advice!

 

[SouthernCal GN]

A mid-sized newer deck boat will fill most of those needs...