Newbie needs advice

[robertjhoag]

Hello all,

New to the boating scene, and am overwhelmed with information. My budget limited me to an older boat or something much less than what I would really be happy with. I found and bought a 1979 Cobalt bowrider 19 foot with a OMC 260. Practically unused with only 125 hours, stored in a garage, and seems very solid under the dust buildup. With some elbow grease, she'll be real pretty and a good starting point to get into boating (I hope).

However, in talking to the local boat shops, there seem to be a bunch of differing opinions regarding OMC and boats this old. One guy scared holy hell out of me telling me that the OMC drive units were junk and I should dump the boat ASAP and find a Mercruiser or Volvo. Is this just like a Ford/ Chevy rivalry or is there any truth to this? Did I make a huge mistake?

[Parapapam]

Relax. Oppinions are like a$$holes. Everyone has one.
And the internet is full of them. So is the local marina.

I don't know anything about your particular boat or motor
but here is my opinion...ya I know:

You are new to boating. You don't really know what you like or want or
how you are really going to use the boat. So you will be selling it in 2
years anyway...that is a statistical fact. Most newbie sell after they figure things
out....like the wife wants an enclosed head...I will water ski more than fish... I can't
trailor her with my current truck very well....I don't use her as much as I though....
Wow, thing on boats sure are expensive...

You bought used. Good for you! Some one else "paid" for the depreciation.

My advice would be use the boat for two years. Figure out your likes and dislikes.
Determine if the local gossip is correct about OMC. You will be selling her then
anyway....and you will be two years more knowledgable about things.

Go boating and have fun!

[jasontrucks76]

Yea man just get it serviced so it wont leave you stranded (not by the guy who had such nice things about OMC) and most of all HAVE FUN!!! AND BE SAFE!!!
sounds like a good find. people around here say OMC or Johnson are good motors!
Take care
Jason Trucks 76

[robertjhoag]

I have a hunch the shop owner I talked to was just not an OMC fan. Maybe he had a bad experience himself, or didn't sell anything with an OMC. I just wanted to find out if there was any legitamate reason to avoid one particular brand, but it doesn't sound like there is.

Who knows, maybe he really liked the boat and decided to try to talk me into selling it to him cheap and buying something else? I've run into shady charachters like that before with cars and motorcycles, but fortunately I know my way around that industry enough not to get taken. Seems like there is a lot more to know about boats.

[ReelWork]

Look at it this way, there are literally thousands and thousands of older OMC's still on the water to this day. I don't think that qualifies them as "junk". Now, it wouldn't be my first choice, but don't let it ruin your experience. Outdrives are *pretty much* the same across the board. They all have gearsets and run a prop with variances in the tilt/trim mechanisms and the drive coupling. Many models from OMC used a big cog that was easy to inspect and easily replaceable, but it wore out faster being exposed. Volvo on the other hand uses a U-Joint that is very repliable and strong, but more involved to change out and has a bellows that keeps it out of the water.. More $ to keep up too, but you might not change it out as oftern.. Point is, you will find pluses and minuses with any make/manufacturer whether new or old..

So, where am I going with this?

Enjoy what you have, maintain it and learn along the way.. Learning is the essential building block in boating and with knowledge, comes comfort and enjoyment. When you're ready to buy another boat, your experiences with this one will pay off ten-fold!

[KCook]

You will also find a lot of bowrider owners over at www.BoatingABC.com and www.TrailerBoats.com

Kelly Cook