Hi there,<br /><br />My dad has a ~'72 Glastron with 120 hp Mercruiser. It seems he's barely able to get 2 seasons out of the U joints and gimble bearing. He doesn't put many hours on it either (maybe 20 per year, probably less). His friend has a starcraft also with 120 hp mercruiser, that's about 5 years newer, that has had the outdrive u-joint/bearings re-done 3 times in the last 3 years (in that case, I'm not 100% confident in the maintenance/lubrication practices).<br /><br />Is this just par for the course? He's thinking about getting a different boat, but is definately leaning towards an OB because of all the hassle he's had with his current boat. The launch he uses is very shallow, so the boat has to be run with trim way up for 100 yards or so every time he launches... I thought maybe I/O's don't like that much (?).<br /><br />Do newer I/O's have better outdrives? To me, it seems that they still have U joints and gimble bearings, so they're likely subject to the same wear issues. Is there a particular type that is particularly renowned for being bullet proof? I've heard good things written about volvo's, but never actually talked to someone who has one. (they're much less common than OMC/Mercruiser around here). Certainly not seen much on smaller boats. <br /><br />thoughts?<br /><br />Brent
