Mercury or Aftermarket I/O replacement?

[Reevesjr]

Knowledge, I am seeking,<br /> I have a 1988 Wellcraft 2800 Monte Carlo with twin 305 Mercurys and Alpha Ones (1.50 ratio). I have around 650 hours on them but the outdrives are salted and I would like to replace when I put in some 350's I have waiting to go in. I have seen some aftermarket outdrives with a 15 month warranty for @ $1600 each and that sounds better than $4500 each. Does anyone have some history on these aftermarket outdrives or a better source? I can not afford my Merc Dealer! I appreciate any help.

 

[mkast]

Re: Mercury or Aftermarket I/O replacement?

I think a little elbow grease, and some epoxy paint will save you some money. Really, most places will charge about $300 to $500 to inspect and reseal each drive, if there is no internal damage.

 

[bvassel3]

Re: Mercury or Aftermarket I/O replacement?

Hi Reevesjr. and welcome to the iboats Forums!<br /><br />A LOT of people say that they are very happy with the rebuilt and new aftermarket major components sold here on iboats. Please click on the link below for customer comments.<br /> http://www.boatmotors.com/engine_testimonials.html <br /><br />BV

 

[Reevesjr]

Re: Mercury or Aftermarket I/O replacement?

Originally posted by mkast:<br />I think a little elbow grease, and some epoxy paint will save you some money. Really, most places will charge about $300 to $500 to inspect and reseal each drive, if there is no internal damage.

Mkast,<br /> Thanks for the responce. I have alot of salt water corrosion on both of them and one has cracks in the fins of the cavitation plates. The skeg is also VERY thin. I was thinking that it would not be worth putting more $ in, am I wrong? The Mercury dealers around here want $15-$2200 to go thru an Alpha.

 

[mkast]

Re: Mercury or Aftermarket I/O replacement?

I just had my alpha at Riggs Marine located in Eldorado, WI. Gear change, with new bearings and a gasket kit (reseal) $995. They have used cases if yours won't make it, comes with a one year warranty. I'm not telling you what to do, I'm offering an alternative to $5000 and up.<br />Buying used units can be risky, if corrosion and the skeg are the only real problems, you might want to call them.

 

[Reevesjr]

Re: Mercury or Aftermarket I/O replacement?

Thaanks again, It sounds like I need to search around for some more competative prices on reworking the old drives. My question remains on the aftermarket drives, are they any good? Would it be better to buy a rebuilt OEM Mercury drive or a new aftermarket? Thanks for the help