1976 Sea Ray 24ft Cuddy Cabin I/0

[DansSeaRay]

Just purchased a 76 Sea Ray SRV240 with a 302 V8 for $900. Motor is strong, interior in decent shape but I do have a question about the outdrive. As Understand the U-joints are bad. Gear lube is good and has no water in it. Can I replace the U-joints myself? Also was told the Gimbal bearing may need replacement and Gimbal Ring is bad as there is some play in the steering. This has the 888 drive. What would your recommendations to servicing this drive but not spend a boat load of money.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 1976 Sea Ray 24ft Cuddy Cabin I/0

I think you're going to need to find out a little more about at the issues are. The 888 drive is a stron pre-alpha drive, and the u-joints/gimbal bearing can be changes pretty easily. Depending on the date of the equiment (1975 or 1976) the gimbal ring would be another issue though, as there could be a few things causing the slop in the steering. Also, the steering arm itself could cause an issue if you have to replace the upper swivel shaft since I think they may be NLA from Mercruiser.

It's really going to come down to what you are looking to do with the boat. If you wanted to repower, you could probably sell the 302/888 stuff and come close to recouping the $900 you spent on the boat, then drop a few grand into a modern 5.7L Alpha I setup including the engine/transom plate, and exterior drive/gimbal housing.

 

[DansSeaRay]

Re: 1976 Sea Ray 24ft Cuddy Cabin I/0

Well I was shown I believe what is the spline for the steering lever that was pretty warn out. From my understand in the next generation or Alpha drive they went to a square because of this issue which make much more sense and has better strength. It would be nice to have a 5.7L engine but I am not going to do that. I bought this boat hoping to get a couple season out of it before I invest myself into something much nicer. This is kinda of a project boat that if the out-drive don't cost much to repair I will be doing a lot more in the interior of the boat.

 

[dingdongs]

Re: 1976 Sea Ray 24ft Cuddy Cabin I/0

you can change joints and gimbal and put some new bellows on for peace of mind.an alignment tool can be purchased off ebay cheap for checking your alignment.this can be done through the winter & if your due for winterising soon or if your in a warmer climate see if these r your only probs.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1976 Sea Ray 24ft Cuddy Cabin I/0

This has the 888 drive. What would your recommendations to servicing this drive but not spend a boat load of money.

Ayuh,... You're 8 nuts from being able to come up with a Parts List....

Pull the drive...