Rebuild or replace Alpha 1

[Southtowns27]

Just looking for some opinions here. I have an '86 Wellcraft 260 Aft Cabin on Lake Erie. A couple weeks ago I was cruising at about 23MPH 4 miles off shore and hit something...presumably a submerged piece of driftwood. I heard the bang and immediately picked up a mild vibration. When I pulled the boat out, I found 2 damaged blades and a non-structural chunk missing out of the lower unit. I also have a higher pitched gear whine sound that wasn't there before either. To my knowledge the outdrive is original to the boat and has never been rebuilt. Is it even worth having this thing rebuilt, or do I just buy the new SEI and be done with it? Thanks in advance!

 

[Rick Stephens]

Almost never can get a drive rebuilt, and with a decent warranty, for less than an SEI. That said, not sure I'd assume a bunch of things yet. The missing chunk appears meaningless. It can be welded back if you want, doubt you'd ever notice it missing unless you ride fairly high and causes it to suck air down and results in cavitation. You can easily get a look at top drive gears. My experience they are the most likely to be the ones that take damage on a hit or from low oil level. Pop the cap and take a look. I'd run with a new prop before assuming you have a new whine.

 

[kenny nunez]

Try this. Take the boat to a trusted and reliable Mercruiser shop that knows how to talk to the insurance adjusters If you have insurance. If your insurance does cover underwater drive damage you might be able to get a new Mercruiser drive less depreciation. If this does not work out then take Rick’s advice and go for an SEI replacement.

 

[Southtowns27]

Good call...I never considered insurance. I have that coverage too. Time to make some phone calls

 

[wahlejim]

With insurance, I would seriously consider the costs and options that you have. You will be able to get that welded back up for less than your deductible.

Lets say you do go the insurance route, you will be out your deductible and they will most likely not replace it with a brand new one, rather, reimburse you for the value of the existing damaged one, which is nowhere near what a new one costs. IN addition to that, your insurance rates will increase because of the incident.

I personally would see what it would take to have it welded up and go boating. Summer is getting short.

 

[kenny nunez]

Since there is a change in the sound of the drive you may have a damaged pinion gear. The lower and upper gear housing should be disassembled and the internals inspected. If the parts are still good then have the lower gear case replaced.
Still worth checking with your insurance company.

 

[KD4UPL]

My wife tore up my Alpha drive once. Broke off the skeg and mangled the prop. Insurance paid to have everything put back like new by a marina. I was out the $500 deductible and my rates didn't go up.