SSSuper83
Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2010
- Messages
- 132
Ok..I will backtrack a little..got the boat running about three weeks ago..went out and the 350 lasted one trip. As I thought it would. So, I have been hunting for a powerplant. I came across a Merc 228 in the paper and decided to drive out and have a look.
Not only was the 228 a 300 hour engine and still fully winterized, but it was in a crate and bolted to a cradle. It's SPOTLESS. Complete from flame arrestor cover to oil pan. Guy says.."you wanna hear it run"?
You bet.
Not an ounce of noise, smoke, or burp. All three serial numbers clearly on engine. Started on the second revolution of the flywheel or close to it. Needless to say, for the price, I was sold.
And then the kicker.."I will throw in the complete transom assembly, all linkage, and Alpha drive for 700"
What??? Yeah..you heard this right. I got a complete powertrain for less than the price of a long block. And not to mention all the wiring from the helm back, Quicksilver shifter, and all the cables. I even got the alpha trim pump. Granted it's not new..but I seen the boat it came out of and the floor and stringers were TOAST. The guy was moving and gave up..needed down payment money on a house NOW.
Not to mention he didnt know too much about boats..
Which brings a couple decisions I have to make. 1. Convert the Sea Sprite to an Alpha drive. Is this possible without removing the transom assembly by just using the drive, Alpha shift cable plate, and trim parts?
2. Sell the Alpha assembly, keep my 898, and buy some interior?
Transom ***. and drive look good physically, but its been sitting around a while. What do you think?? I am just happy I might be on the water by Memorial Day weekend!!
Not only was the 228 a 300 hour engine and still fully winterized, but it was in a crate and bolted to a cradle. It's SPOTLESS. Complete from flame arrestor cover to oil pan. Guy says.."you wanna hear it run"?
You bet.
Not an ounce of noise, smoke, or burp. All three serial numbers clearly on engine. Started on the second revolution of the flywheel or close to it. Needless to say, for the price, I was sold.
And then the kicker.."I will throw in the complete transom assembly, all linkage, and Alpha drive for 700"
What??? Yeah..you heard this right. I got a complete powertrain for less than the price of a long block. And not to mention all the wiring from the helm back, Quicksilver shifter, and all the cables. I even got the alpha trim pump. Granted it's not new..but I seen the boat it came out of and the floor and stringers were TOAST. The guy was moving and gave up..needed down payment money on a house NOW.
Not to mention he didnt know too much about boats..
Which brings a couple decisions I have to make. 1. Convert the Sea Sprite to an Alpha drive. Is this possible without removing the transom assembly by just using the drive, Alpha shift cable plate, and trim parts?
2. Sell the Alpha assembly, keep my 898, and buy some interior?
Transom ***. and drive look good physically, but its been sitting around a while. What do you think?? I am just happy I might be on the water by Memorial Day weekend!!
