Are The OMC saildrives Junk?

[Kper]

I did a search and found only enough info to learn that a couple folks here have a healthy dislike for the OMC saildrives. I am looking at a Chrysler 26 with a 2cyl/2cycle OMC saildrive that's overheating after a pump replacement.

Are these saildrive units really the big pieces of garbage that has been suggested here on the forum? Can a different saildrive unit be swapped in its place or are all saildrives 4 letter words in the sailing community and I'm simply wasting my time?

I have a strong interest in the boat but the saildrive has me concerned.

[Sailmonkey]

It's not that sail drives are bad, it that the OMC version of the sail drive is bad. It has a place, lake boats (seasonal or dry storage) but is the worst thing going anywhere else.

[Kper]

Is it economical, or even possible, to swap in a different brand unit?

[Dennis.G]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

It's not that sail drives are bad...

Bad of course is a matter of opinion. I have found myself walking away from some boats only because their builders had decided it easier to use a saildrive solution instead of a proper propeller system.

But that's just me.

[Sailmonkey]

Any thing is possible, the problem with the OMC unit is that it's essentially an outboard with a rubber skirt around it.
As far as economical, it's a boat, by definition not economical.

[Kper]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

....As far as economical, it's a boat, by definition not economical.

True statement.