Have a mercruiser with a alpha one when I put it into gear to get the prop to move it makes a noise is that normal? This is my first boat. It’s not a hard grind. Are the bearings going out? Thanks
Normal ona alpha just the dog clutch engaging vs a cone clutch on a bravo or Volvo penta. It's sort of like shifting a manual tans without the clutch... a clunk but not a grind. A bit of an older design but the two alpha powered boats I have had lived long lives
^^That^^
Yes...don't try and "ease" it in because that will only wear the apex of the gears quicker. Just a quick "flick" and try not to be one of "those" guys at the launch who's constantly doing the "fwd-back" shuffle.
If it's out of the water it's more disconcerting as when it's 2 feet below the surface you don't hear much!lol!