1971 Aristocraft 19 upgrade

[gerumpy]

I am considering upgrading the 1971 Mercruiser Gimbal Housing Assembly on my vintage Aristocraft 19 with a 1986 Alpha one Gimbal Housing Assembly and would appreciate any response as to whether that is feasible. The original gimbal bearing rusted out because of the bellows failure (rubbing on water hose). I do not see a way to grease this gimbal bearing and noticed that on the 1986 Alpha one housing there is a fitting on the outside of the housing for greasing the gimbal bearing, apparently an upgrade to the design. I also like the newer gimbal pins on the alpha one vs the gimbal pins on the old design. The larger trim cylinders with the alpha one housing also looks like a plus.

I am hoping that perhaps the 1986 alpha one gimbal housing assembly bolt pattern matches with the 1971 inside transom mount plate for the 6 cyl inline 165hp engine.

If anyone has performed this upgrade I would appreciate hearing any pros/cons associated with this.

 

[renojim]

Re: 1971 Aristocraft 19 upgrade

I too wanted to upgrade my 1972 outdrive because the po had broken the gimbal joint and it destroyed the housing. I also wanted to upgrade the trim limit switch. I went as far as purchasing a newer housing with the newer style hinge pins because people had told me it would bolt on. On receiving it, found that the bolt pattern is slightly different and the new style will not bolt to the old style transom or internal plate. I exchanged for an older style but there is a newer version of the old style that can be greased externally. I dealt with B&K boats and sleds BK Boats and Sleds Lakemoor, IL (815) 363-1254 and I purchased a used transom mount with gimbal housing for $99 plus shipping. They were very helpful and then I rebuilt it myself. In regards to the trim limit switch, I was able to find a new old-stock for the old style transom and both of the ones I found new, in box, the insultation on the wire was rotted, just like the one that came out of your boat. So, in my opinion, don't waste time trying to find a new one because they are all bad. Just jumper-wire and know not to lift it too high.

 

[gerumpy]

Re: 1971 Aristocraft 19 upgrade

Thanks for the input. That's unfortunate that the newer housing will not interface with the old transom mounting plate. Looks like I will end up having to repair the existing housing as best possible. I will try BK Boats and see if they still have a replacement for mine at a reasonable price. Like you say, the limit switch is not a big deal, its worked fine without it for a long time.