Hey guys,
Looking at a 1992 vintage boat, that has had a pair of AQ41D diesels replaced in the past 10 years which now have about 1000hrs each side. Boat seems to be reasonably well cared for, particularly mechanical components. Major item for concern are the two sterndrives. Both are 1992 vintage AQ 290-DP and likely have 3000+ hours on them and 22 years. Boat spends 6 months in salt, 6 months on a trailer for the past 10 years.
I understand from the PO that both drives have been rebuilt a couple of times including this past year, and he seems to suggest they have lots of life. The optimist in me wants to believe him, however, the realist in me is the guy who has to foot the repair bills.
We have plans to want to use this boat for some longer distance remote extended cruising. Reliability and peace of mind are important. I've owned a couple of Bravo III drives, but this would be my first ownership of VP drives.
What are thoughts on options?
- have them removed and completely inspected / R&R'd by a VP mechanic during survey?
- build cost of replacing with 2 new drives into my offer
- survey and sea trial, and if they seem ok -- be confident they will run for years?
My inner-mechanic seems to suggest that 22 years on a high wear item like a sterndrive is a pretty good run, but they are probably getting close to the end of their life? Thoughts?
Looking at a 1992 vintage boat, that has had a pair of AQ41D diesels replaced in the past 10 years which now have about 1000hrs each side. Boat seems to be reasonably well cared for, particularly mechanical components. Major item for concern are the two sterndrives. Both are 1992 vintage AQ 290-DP and likely have 3000+ hours on them and 22 years. Boat spends 6 months in salt, 6 months on a trailer for the past 10 years.
I understand from the PO that both drives have been rebuilt a couple of times including this past year, and he seems to suggest they have lots of life. The optimist in me wants to believe him, however, the realist in me is the guy who has to foot the repair bills.
We have plans to want to use this boat for some longer distance remote extended cruising. Reliability and peace of mind are important. I've owned a couple of Bravo III drives, but this would be my first ownership of VP drives.
What are thoughts on options?
- have them removed and completely inspected / R&R'd by a VP mechanic during survey?
- build cost of replacing with 2 new drives into my offer
- survey and sea trial, and if they seem ok -- be confident they will run for years?
My inner-mechanic seems to suggest that 22 years on a high wear item like a sterndrive is a pretty good run, but they are probably getting close to the end of their life? Thoughts?
