Conference vicki::boats

    I believe the 175 merc is a four cylinder, where the OMC 175 V6
    is (obviously) a six.  I also thought they are about the same price.
    You should probably look at performance data and tourque curves,
    etc of each and decide based on the type of boating you'll be doing.
    I believe the outdrives are similar, except for certain maintenance
    item locations (impellers).  Anyone care to comment further?
    Doug.

    re.1
    
    	Both the Mercrusier 175 and OMC 175 are BOTH V6 GM blocks - the
    same block is used in my Baja (205 HP) only with the addition of a 4
    barrel carb...
    
    	One side note - these HP ratings (ie. 175, 205..etc..) will change
    next year to prop rated HP, as Yamaha has already begun to do.
    
    								-mike-

    I stand corrected Mr. Sterndrive.  :^)
    

    OMC has a very poor record of standing behind their outdrives. 
    I made numerous calls asking for warranty when my OMC died five
    hours after the warranty period ended.  All I could get them to
    do was to hang up on me.  The problem was even due to a factory
    problem, and they still would not cover it.

    I suggest you go with the MERC 175 V6 engine and one good reason
    is that they have over 5000 locations for services in New England
    alone. I just purchase a boat also with the 175 hp Merc.
    

    
    I don't think you can go wrong with either one.  Both Mercruiser
    and OMC make good reliable products as evidenced by there large
    distribution.  I agree that if you are not going to service the
    motor yourself, you may be inclined to go with the brand that has
    more reputable service dealers in your area.  I myself have an OMC,
    but I would have bought the same boat with the Mercruiser.
    Good Luck in your choice.
    
    Bob
    

    Paul,
    
    	If you get a change go to a library and look for the the 
    	"Boating" magazine dated March 1988, page 138 "Black Magic vs.
    	The Snake". The article discusses some of the difference between
    	the two sterndrives. Both products are good products, but I
    	feel OMC is just a little better. Example - The water pump in
    	the outdrive is a 10 minute fix in the water, to were Merc is
    	a 45 minute job in the shop at $$$$ per hour. If you water pump
    	is blocked for 30 - 60 seconds you are almost sure to replace
    	the waterpump in the outdrive. Mercury uses it's own Thunderbolt
    	IV HEI electronic ignition, OMC chose to remain with the Breaker
    	Points, they felt that it was simpler and easier to repair and
    	that you could limp back to port. I am in my second year with
    	my second boat, currently I have a Four Winns 205 with 175 hp
    	(4.3 l) engine and very happy. I have a copy of the article
    	if anyone is interested. Best of luck ...
    
    	Mike 

    Just wanted to thank everybody for their responses. I didn't get
    any real negative feedback except for one. If I would of gotten
    a flood of comments to go one way versus the other I would have
    more of a concern. I decided to stay with the stock OMC engine instead
    of paying the difference (500.00) for the mercuriser.
    
    Thanks Again,
    PAUL

    The latest issue of Powerboat Reports says that OMC is merging with
    Volvo-Penta for (I/O) engine production.  They claim it's basically
    to build (reliable) Volvo engines at (high volume) OMC plants, and that current
    OMC models are gonna go into "maintenance mode"  (You know what that
    means. no parts 5 years from now).
    
    The same issue alludes to the fact that an upcoming owner survey on
    engines is going to show serious reliability problems with OMC Cobras
    (corrected to whatever statistical significance one should attribute
    to these things, imho).