OMC Stern Drives

OMC Sterndrives

Beginning in the late 1960’s, OMC has been one of the leaders in the engine and sterndrive market. In the mid 80’s OMC or Outboard Marine Corporation introduced the OMC Cobra, a sterndrive that was modeled after the leading Volvo outdrives. We stock OMC Stern Drives for all of the OMC models including OMC Cobra, and the mechanical and electric shift OMC Stringer.

OMC Cobra Outdrives

In 1985 OMC redesigned their sterndrive product and named it the Cobra, after the expiration of a few Volvo Penta patents. OMC Cobra outdrives built from 1986-1993 are all virtually identical to each other except for the gear ratios. The upper Cobra gearcases come in six different ratios while the lowers are available in only one except for pre 1990 2.3 and 3.0 litres.

OMC Stringer Full Mechanical Shift Outdrives

The second generation OMC Stringers or OMC mechanical shift stern drives were produced from 1978-1985. All of the later (1981-1985) sterndrives were full mechanical shift while some of the earlier (1978-1980) outdrives were hydro-mechanical. These early units can supercede to a full mechanical design by purchasing a full mechanical shift cable and altering the shifting cap.