I found a bunch of Industry Data . . .

[Scott Danforth]

I've already noticed more 'obsolete' parts for my 2001 Volvo-Penta 5.7GXi on the marine parts websites.

As opposed to the Ford, GM and Stelantis parts obsolete for 2013 and older vehicles?

 

[Lou C]

There are only a few car companies who actually make parts for older vehicles available.

 

[Pmt133]

At some point merc changed the GEN II but I'm pretty sure most of the gear sets and parts all work back to the early 70s. I was kind of surprised when I was gathering parts like gears and bearings for my MR when I saw they were listed for Gen II up to a certain serial number.

We have some equipment with plans in our plant where the last revision was made to the design pre-war. I kind of feel like the alpha is getting to that point. Antiquated by modern standards... but if it ain't broke and you can fix it still... why not.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Aftermarket companies offer gears and parts for common older drives

 

[Lou C]

How “good” it is should be determined by how ”good”
It works!

 

[Pmt133]

True. And as dad always said, the parts weren't always easy to get when they were in production. So I guess it doesn't matter that much.

How “good” it is should be determined by how ”good”
It works!

Good enough Pratt didn't think it worth their time to design replacements.

 

[tpenfield]

I'm looking at the numbers and they seem staggering . . .

Unit volume of Sterndrives going from about 72K/yr in the late '90's/2000 down to about 10K/yr twenty years later.

The boat volume itself among these 2 market sectors (Cruisers and Runabouts) is also shocking (83K -> 20K), which speaks to the pontoon and center console markets.
.

.
I know that I am in the honeymoon phase of owning 'big HP' outboards, but so far so good.

 

[redneck joe]

a decade or so back Sea Ray had a 25 maybe 27 footer that had 'pockets' built in for large outboards so it looked more like a sterndrive. Figured that would be a success, apparently not.

 

[tpenfield]

a decade or so back Sea Ray had a 25 maybe 27 footer that had 'pockets' built in for large outboards so it looked more like a sterndrive. Figured that would be a success, apparently not.

Pursuit boats had something similar . . . 365 Sport Coupe . . . I don't think it did all that well either. I don't think the outboards could tilt far enough to be out of the water when not in use.
.

.

 

[Pmt133]

I have a curiosity. Any data for people opting for the "premium" engine vs the base? Seems most of the time it's the bare minimum you see for sale used.

 

[redneck joe]

seems like the tilt issue would be a very small engineering hurdle. Sounds like you need to sharpen your pencils up and do another mod to your boat....