3.8 L OMC inboard opinions please??

[nicemustang]

Hey pros, Have found a great deal on an older boat in immaculate condition. It has a 170 HP (2 barrel carb) 3.8 L OMC engine. I know that it's going to be older, but how do these engines perform? It's an 18' open bow, so the 170 HP should be OK for power. Curious if anyone knows anything about them.

Thx in advance.

[-JR-]

Originally Posted by nicemustang

Hey pros, Have found a great deal on an older boat in immaculate condition. It has a 170 HP (2 barrel carb) 3.8 L OMC engine. I know that it's going to be older, but how do these engines perform? It's an 18' open bow, so the 170 HP should be OK for power. Curious if anyone knows anything about them.

Thx in advance.

I have a 125 hp inboard in my 1984 18 ft baylinner ,and for fishing thats all you need ,does about 35 top speed.Never skied behind it but did pull some tubes around one day .

What year is it and home much does he want .

[nicemustang]

Sent you a PM.

[Waxy]

What year is it?

The "newer" OMC Cobra I/O's were all Chevy blocks I believe except the Ford 460 they used in the "King Cobra". The Cobra units were OK, my dad has one in his boat. They had some design issues that led to poor shifting and stripping gears now and then, but most of it was covered under warranty. Finding someone to service them could be a challenge, and parts can be hard to find too, they haven't been made in about 15 years.

It it's the really old model with the white outdrive, I'd keep looking...

The Mercruiser AlphaOne drives are your best bet. They were solid drives, and they're still easy to get service and parts for.

On top of that, a 3.8L 170HP (when new) inboard on an 18' boat is going to be a disappointing performer. Most 18' open bow runabouts in those years came with at least the 4.3L V6, and many had the 5.0L Chev (305 V8) and were pushing around 210HP.

Unfortunately, the cheapest boat isn't always the best deal.

Waxy

[nicemustang]

It's an 84, with the white outdrive. I've seen similar reports to yours on the net Waxy...so I'll stay away I think. There's plenty of mid to late 90's boats that are affordable to choose from, this one looked good and attractive price but maybe I'll hold off.

[Waxy]

Originally Posted by nicemustang

It's an 84, with the white outdrive. I've seen similar reports to yours on the net Waxy...so I'll stay away I think. There's plenty of mid to late 90's boats that are affordable to choose from, this one looked good and attractive price but maybe I'll hold off.

If you've got the budget and the patience, I think that's the wise decision.

Waxy

[ACM]

I had an older tarcraft Montego with the ford 351 and it was an awesome boat. Trihullmodified design so was a bit rough but very quick when needed 55mph and could handle big water easily. Put a 5HP trolling moter and it was fun. pulled skiers and was still decent at fishing. Replaced with a 16 ft legend with a 40 Yammy and for fishing the Legend was miles better. Did some great trips like from Ft Mac to LakeAthabasca in thelittle guy so for fishing only consider the small one but for speed and fun of all kinds the old ones are great BUT on an 18 ft I would not go below 235