Dented Lower End Cone- 2006

[Shawnwswan]

Hi, I'm considering buying a boat with a 2006 Mercruiser 3L engine. The owner showed me a dent on the tip of the cone on the lower end, it's about 1.5" in diameter and probably indented 3/4". He says that it hasn't affected the prop gears and it doesn't leak lower gear oil.
Is this something to be concerned about?
I have to decide today or he moves to the next buyer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Shawn

 

[thumpar]

That area is pretty thick and can't see how it could be dented. It may have been worn away. I think a picture would really give some idea as to how bad it is. If the deal is good you could always get the boat and put a new lower from SEI on it.

 

[harringtondav]

That hsg is cast aluminium, and not ductile. It is very likely partially cracked, and then eventually leak. You'll have to fix it someday. A good prop shop may be able to weld it for a few hundred dollars. But a replacement hsg plus shop labor could approach $2000. Keep this in mind when negotiating.

 

[Shawnwswan]

This is the best photo I have of it. The fin edge was pretty rough as well.

 

[AlabamaNewbie]

I'd be worried. Looks like he smacked something pretty hard.

 

[H20Rat]

My current boat has very similar damage to it. The previous owner JBwelded it, shaped and sanded it. It has been that way for 4 years now, no signs of any problems.

Worst case, SEI lowers aren't that expensive.

 

[Shawnwswan]

Thanks for the responses! He wants 11k and he's not budging on the price. Too bad, the boat was nice...... The search continues!

 

[Maclin]

Good move. $11k for a 2006 anybrand with just the 3.0l, sounds high even if unmolested.

 

[Shawnwswan]

Hahaha Maclin....... That's what they're going for in my area (Toronto Ontario). I'm going to look at a 2000 tonight for the same price, much better condition though. They usually sell in a couple of days.

 

[achris]

From what I see, you're not that far from USA... Would it be worth considering a boat south of the border, just popping over and grabbing one? I'm guessing they're about half the price, down there....

Chris......

 

[Maclin]

Sorry, had my USD goggles on.