HELP - Buying a Donor Boat With Mercruiser

[Taylor_T]

Hey everyone, I wanted to make a new thread so people would hopefully see this.

I am in the middle of a project and am taking the advice of some fellow iboaters to switch from an OMC Stringer to a mercruiser. Looking through donor boats I found some good deals. What I need help with is this:

I don't know a lot about outdrives. A lot of the boats I am looking at have not been winterized, does that mean the outdrive will be shot? If so, what would likely need repaired on a non-winterized outdrive? Also, how do I check the outdrive for problems when the motor isn't running? What sort of things should I look at?

I have a 305 chevy, 190hp. Would I be able to use an MC-1 from a 200hp mercruiser boat?

I really need some help on this because I know so little about it! Any info about the above would be awesome and greatly appreciated!

 

[GA_Boater]

Hi, Taylor.

Moved the thread into the Mercruiser section because your questions are about MC outdrives. Those in the know will see it better than in the resto section.

I do know the outdrive has no winterizing other than trimming all the way down so water doesn't collect and freeze in the thru-prop exhaust area.

The other guys will be able to answer rest of the questions.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... I'm doubtin' ya got a Chevy 302,... 305 maybe,..??

The MC-1 is better than an OMC, But,....
A 1984 or newer is yer best bet for the best options, or post -91 to get the Alpha, Gen.II,....

The Alpha 1 from the early '80s are good, but the transom assembly for the '84/ '85/ '86 vintage are the most greaseable,...
After that time, grease zerks started disappearin' to where there's nearly none on the newest Alpha, Gen.IIs,...

I'd skip over the MC-1 transom assemblies,...
MC-1 drives will run just fine on an Alpha 1 transom assembly up to '90,....

 

[Taylor_T]

Oops, yeah I meant a 305, I'll fix that.

Thanks for replying!

Bondo, the thing is, I'm on a pretty slim budget and I was able to find a boat with an MC-1 for $350. The motor's shot but the outdrive looks good. What's the reason for not wanting to go with a MC-1 transom assembly? Would it be possible to replace the MC-1 transom assembly later on with an alpha 1 when my budget allows it? Or would I have to completely redo the transom again?

 

[52FordF2]

I'm rebuilding a transom assembly now.

If I could do it over I'd find one with the trim senders on the sides rather than rebuilding an MC-1, with the Trim switch inside on top and out of reach.

Without totally disassembling it again :facepalm:.

I thought I repaired it, then it failed after reassembly. Check my link on the MC-1 Transom Assembly.