I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

[magic81]

I bought a used Mercruiser outdrive from a legitimate boat salvage business recently and just got to replacing it. I have looked all over the outdrive and cannot find a serial num anywhere on it. Is there any way that this could pose a problem?

Is it common for a used outdrive to not have a serial number? Is there any reason why it would NOT have one on it? Is it necessary to have a # to register a boat with the state? (Okla)

thanks fellas

 

[Don S]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

You need a heck of a lot more information than "it's a Mercruiser"
Mercruiser makes from 4 cylinder carbed engines with Alpha Drives, to Big block 8.1 MPI engines with Bravo III drives, and a lots in between.
Now, what do you have, YEAR, Model, engine, type drive, etc. Pictures of this used drive will be necessary.
Just because it looks like yours dosn't mean it will work. There are gear ratios to deal with.

 

[magic81]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

You need a heck of a lot more information than "it's a Mercruiser"
Mercruiser makes from 4 cylinder carbed engines with Alpha Drives, to Big block 8.1 MPI engines with Bravo III drives, and a lots in between.
Now, what do you have, YEAR, Model, engine, type drive, etc. Pictures of this used drive will be necessary.
Just because it looks like yours dosn't mean it will work. There are gear ratios to deal with.

I think your missing my point. Im sure its the right setup....According to the seller, it was removed from the exact same kind of boat with the exact same motor/ratio. My concern is that Ive just purchased a stolen outdrive because I know they are stolen very often. I didnt even think to look for the # before I bought it, mostly out of haste. I didnt realize it didnt have a number until I got around to starting the swap. I dont want to have anything to do with stolen equipment (as Im sure no honest individual would).

So, aside from calling the business which I plan to do first thing in the morning, what should I do? Will I have any problems registering the boat with the DMV? Does an outdrive HAVE to have a serial # on it?? just concerned, thats all. thanks fellas

 

[Don S]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

You never said you thought the drive might be stolen, you just said you couldn't find a SN, so, No, I'm not missing the point, you are. We need to know what the heck you have to tell you where to look for a SN or anything else.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

Is it common for a used outdrive to not have a serial number?

Yes.....

 

[magic81]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

You never said you thought the drive might be stolen, you just said you couldn't find a SN, so, No, I'm not missing the point, you are. We need to know what the heck you have to tell you where to look for a SN or anything else.

Wow man you really need to get laid, drunk, or get some sleep....damn. I wasnt trying to be rude...why do you need to be? Regardless, its an Alpha one and I'm not asking you where the serial number *might* be, Im telling you there isnt one, Ive looked. I was just asking for advice what I should do next.

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

Well i thought the same when i got both my pre alpha drives. With some info and a pic is best the # is most likely right were mine was. Dont remember who but when i gave the forum "all" my info they sent me a neat little pic of where it was and WALAH! There mine was that I searched cleaned and looked for,for days. Try it.

 

[DJ]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

Whoa! Slow down. Please refrain from battling with another member.

It's not uncommon for outdrives to be missing serial numbers. Every state is different but I would be surprised if your local lisensing agency cares about the outdrive number. Engine number-maybe-but I doubt that too.

They would be interested in the HID (hull ID #). That is usually located on the starboard (right) side transom. If the boat is older, it may have none of those. However, your paperwork should have the HID.

Yes, things get stolen but if you purchased from a reputable party, I wouldn't be worried.

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

Per your other post on removing an outdrive i think you may find those #s with a little more info. A pic maybe?

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

Use some paint remover clean it real good the #s are "SMALL" No problem here just wanting more info.

 

[magic81]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

gotcha. I will take a photo tomorrow and we'll go from there. thanks for the replies gentlemen. Much appreciated!!

 

[ziggy]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

if it's an alpha. the serial should be on the sticker on the sides of the upper one side will have the serial, the other will be the gear ratio..... i didn't see anything in #6 that says anything to the nature of what i'm about to say. but on the older drives. they also put the serial under the sticker stamped into the upper.... like i say, don't know if it holds true for alphas or not....

these are pics of a 1 drive.... older than yours,

two differnt drives. i couldn't read the sticker on the one, so peeled the sticker off to see the number....... be aware, one more time. i don't see referance to the number being under the sticker of an alpha as on my 1 drive. might be worth a look.... the way i see it. if its only on the sticker as per #6, and the sticker is gone... ya'd be w/o ......... ya'd think it'd be marked better than with just a sticker though. but maybe not.... if ya think about it. lowers aren't marked at all.....

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

Where ya been Ziggy it's a jungle out here? haha! Nice pic thats where mine was and as i noted very "small" #s

 

[ziggy]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

it's a jungle out here?

yep, yesterdays local boat show was pretty rough.... especially the free tall cans of beer on ice while looking at the newest stuff......

 

[wil7483]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

Whoa! Slow down. Please refrain from battling with another member.

Don showed a lot of class and restraint in not replying.

You should never pick a fight with a moderator, easy way to get banned, booted, removed, etc, etc, etc.

 

[orion25]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

Don showed a lot of class and restraint in not replying.

You should never pick a fight with a moderator, easy way to get banned, booted, removed, etc, etc, etc.

Well to be fair Don jumped to conclusions. OP never stated that he wanted to know if it would work. But Don unloaded with a tirade about outdrives, engines and gear ratios. Granted the OP did not provide enough info to tell where the SN might be but a simple question like "what model & year is the drive and what boat/engine combo is it for" would have sufficed.

Every Mod here is a great resource but please realize that not all of us are completely ignorant about boats (most are not master mechanics either).

Finally, Magic went way overboard with his post that began with "wow man". Don should feel free to unload on that one!

 

[obezag]

Re: I bought a used outdrive...no serial number....is this a problem??

Should get rid of your thin skins. Don S is direct but rude and tirades? He'll answer any question you've got with the necessary info. If your lucky he'll give you help in the future but "wow man" I don't see it happening!