Difference between a 48 & 50hp OMC?

[johnyrude200]

Can someone tell me what makes this difference? Looking on M.E. at an ’87 model, and carbs appear the same with orifice plugs, and manifold appears the same too. Cylinder/crankcase even has the same P/N’s. Maybe I missed something here, exhaust housing manipulation?

[frankr]

Burp in the Marketing department?

[rmhxruss]

48 had less glossy paint on some. Also no VRO also no power trim and tilt. A Marketing tool. OMC also made 28 and 88 basic motors also.

[fleetwin]

Yes, the 48 and 50hps are really the same, same block, pistons, exhaust, carbs, manifold….This is just a marketing technique to differentiate the lower cost 48hp from the more expensive 50hp models…The 50hps had oil injection, and in some cases, a larger alternator…

[Anonymous]

Clever! Make it obvious you’re a cheapskate!!

Did the "industrial" models also have "different" HP ratings at some point?

[frankr]

Often times the commercial models were resurrections of older models. Sometimes models with the fancy bells and whistles stripped off.

[Steve A W]

2
😆

Member of the MOB chapter.
I live in Northwest Indiana

[dan-in-tn]

As I remember it "Special" models were introduced to give OMC dealers something to compete with Bagliner (Bayliner) dealers & Force motors. These were entry level buyers looking to get into boating as cheaply as possible. The 28, 48, 88, 112hp "Specials" we’re brought out by OMC as no frills models. As previously stated no VRO, no TNT, & on the V-4 the smallest alternator with no regulator. I don’t remember any paint difference (that would have just cost more), but the decals were sparse with a SPL designation. The 88 & 112 immediately got TNT kits offered to dealers along with the motors at a discount so you see a lot of them with trim. A 148 was considered, but never came to be. A lot of these motors were sold, especially in the V-4 range down my way. You still see them on the water today.

Dan in TN

[johnyrude200]

I will say, I was surprised at how ‘clean’ the standard fuel pump and line set up was on this ’87 model 48hp motor was. Makes sense now. No VRO (not on the hood either), and just like the pre ’85 models of all variations.

[dougs-outboards]

I could be wrong but I think somewhere in my travels I heard that the 48 spl, 88 spl and other special models used some older non thru hub lower units, as OMC had a stockpile of these NOS lower units, and wanted to use them up. I could be wrong, someone correct me if I am…

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