aftermarket outdrive

[Boatman 1]

Has anyone had long term experience with an aftermarket outdrive manufactured by STERNDRIVE ENGINEERING INC.? I have an Alpha one Gen II drive (2001) with 85 hours on it and need to replace the lower unit due to damage. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks in advance to all.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

I would repair or replace the lower unit.There are many on ebay for 3-500.Aftermarket o/ds have only been available for a short while so I doubt anyone has long term experience.Charlie

 

[Boatman 1]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

Thanks for the input Charlie. I was on another forum and was given a link to this one. It seems that someone from this forum installed one of these units and was going to post his experience later on. This was last year at around this time. I looked in the archives but due to the large number of pages was not able to locate any update, so I figured Id ask the question. I think I'll go with a factory Mercury rebuilt unit ($2,050.00) that way I'll be sure that everything will line up. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

While I do not have LONG term experience, I do have a Sterndrive Engineering outdrive on my boat. I replaced my original alpha 1 with one of Sterndrive's units.<br /><br />I did a lot of investigating and discovered that they use all new parts, etc. so it isn't a rebuilt drive - it is genuinely a brand new unit, and I believe it truly is a QUALITY unit. It's your money, but for the price I can't see how a person could go wrong. (And no, I don't work for them, nor receive any kickbacks... yet )

 

[Boatman 1]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

What unit do you have, Gen 1 or 2? How long have you had it on your boat? How is the fit and finish on the castings and how is the finish (paint)? Is it as durable as the OEM? I really appreciate the input. I also have done a lot of research on their website but other than that I havent had much info from anyone who actually has one. Thanks for your reply.<br /><br />JB

 

[Fishermark]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

I have the gen 1. I boat exclusively in Salt Water and haven't had any issues with the finish. YET. I've only had it on the boat for about six months.

 

[Boatman 1]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

Does it operate smoothly, (shift, noise Etc.)? <br /><br />JB

 

[Fishermark]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

Have no complaints at all with the operation.

 

[Boatman 1]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

Thanks for the input. I've contacted SEI and am waiting for a reply.<br /><br />JB

 

[Boatman 1]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

SEI contacted me and I was informed that they did not make a lower replacement unit for my 2:0 ratio. I would have to get a complete unit from them, (a 1:94). If I went with just a lower unit from them I would end up with a 1:65 ratio. I guess I'll order a Factory Mercury rebuilt lower end ($1,700.00 plus shipping). Thanks for the replys.<br /><br />JB

 

[sea wolf]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

I would like to know where the gears are manufactured. I remember reading somewhere about a boater that purchased some aftermarket gears made in China. They lasted 6 months then dynamited. I'm not saying this co. uses gears made in China, but if I was looking to buy one of their units I'd like to know where the internals are coming from.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: aftermarket outdrive

Boatman, Call iboats at that 800 number. They had the brand new genuine Mercruiser units for a lot less than that as I recall. Check the megamall maybe they still have the ad up.