jcjones
New Member
I had (apparently incorrectly) assumed that all twin drive EC's from 1983 would have been powered similarly (OMC Stringer drives). I'm not finding much that is conclusive on what drive options were available other then a single V8 seemed to be the most popular option but I have seen on this site a lot of references to similar vintage and size cruisers with Merc power.
Were Mercruiser I/O's an option in 1983 on the 260's?
If so, would that indicate that the transom would not need a lot of work (other then adequately patching and reinforcing the OMC holes) for a repower to Alpha or Bravo drives? Maybe using a 3 step cut and plug as others have mentioned?
With relocating where the boat will be in salt water my concern for the longetivity of my OMC stern drives is increasing and I'm seriously considering a repower to something a little easier to maintain and get parts for but one of my concerns has been the strength of the transom since I would be moving the force applied from the stringers directly to the transom instead.
Any advice, experience, knowledge on the subject, etc.?
Thanks!
Were Mercruiser I/O's an option in 1983 on the 260's?
If so, would that indicate that the transom would not need a lot of work (other then adequately patching and reinforcing the OMC holes) for a repower to Alpha or Bravo drives? Maybe using a 3 step cut and plug as others have mentioned?
With relocating where the boat will be in salt water my concern for the longetivity of my OMC stern drives is increasing and I'm seriously considering a repower to something a little easier to maintain and get parts for but one of my concerns has been the strength of the transom since I would be moving the force applied from the stringers directly to the transom instead.
Any advice, experience, knowledge on the subject, etc.?
Thanks!