???Bearings???

[booboodj]

I am extremely new to boating. I just purchased a Seastar Playmate 17' boat with a MerCruiser straight 6cyl 165hp which also has the MerCruiser stern drive.<br /><br />I was told when I bought the boat that the outdrive bearings needed changed because the whole boat shook when in gear and moving. He said that you could tell the engine was bogging down, and the stearing wheel shook pretty hard. <br /><br />My questions:<br /><br />1. What is the difference in the Alpha, Alpha 1, ect... and Bravo stern drives? And how do I know which drive I have?<br /><br />2. I have no idea on which bearings to change or where to start! Could someone be able to assist me with which bearings to changed and a good place to purchase them?<br /><br /><br />Thanks so much,<br />Kevin

 

[flashback]

Re: ???Bearings???

Kevin, welcome to Iboats, first off I would ask you how old a boat you have, and how well it has been maintained. first thing I would do is get a repair manual and read up on the maintainence procedures and general operation of the drive unit. gimbal bearing is usually the first to go if not greased regularly. although severe vibration is usually caused by the u-joints or a bad prop... There are a lot of good folks here and you will get a lot of help but we need to know as much as possible about your problem...good luck and keep posting

 

[Stings]

Re: ???Bearings???

here is a site to answer some of the questions i have had but didn't want to clog up this site. the guys here can give allot of info and its very helpful but here is another site. http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm

 

[booboodj]

Re: ???Bearings???

Hey,<br /> Thanks so much. The boat was made in 1975. It has been well taken care of. The only problem with the boat is the bearings. The rest of the boat is in great shape!<br /><br /> The prop is fairly new and has no dents or cracks. I have not taken the boat out for a cruise yet but I had it running recently and it sounds great! <br /><br /> The guy I had bought the boat from had told me that the last time he had taken the boat out, it shook so bad that he was only out for a few mins because he didn't want to ruin anything. He told me that I would have to change the "BEARINGS" before I had taken the boat out.<br /><br /> I will get a manual for the boat. Should there be any other bearings I need to look for?<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Kevin