what do you think of sea drive outboards

Hey Skools and all,

I think willy is right, they made them until '89. They had a few V-6 loopers, but mostly cross flow V4's and V6's. They were basically an outboard with a rather elaborate bracket/tilt. The thought was definately there, and I think they actually made the outboard bracket popular.

The bummer about them is the whole bracket tilts and is integrated to the outboard, so you can't make a brand change. They were famous for tilt harness/wiring harness problems, 'cause the wiring moves a lot and pinches under the bracket.

They would make a great candidate for removing the Sea Drive and installing a bracket w/outboard. All the re-enforcement is there, and I don't recall any unusual holes, other than the wiring harness. I don't think you would be looking at a lot of glasswork.I see that pic of one removed, I have to admit, it has been quite a few years since I have seen one up close. As long as the bracket tilts, they were just like any other Johnrude, pretty reliable if you maintained it.

I usually get out my oak stake and cross if I see one. They are a bit of a nightmare to work on. ;)
 
one last question about the topic. I know that OMC and Johnson/Evinrude are similar. But when the Sea drive goes completely can I replace it with a Johnson/Evinrude and not replace any of my controls. If yes are all years compatible.

thanks
 
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