New owner needs some advice

[Dreamer1Q]

Hey all, I just picked up a 19.5 foot 1989 Sierra with a 305 Mercruiser and a Alpha outdrive. The boat had a workout today for the first time in my possession, and I am in love. But as with any relationship work must be done <br /><br />My question is this, what would be a good book to get to school me on how the outdrive works, and how to properly maintain it. I dont want to have to ante up and replace it sooner then I must. But to be honest, I have no idea what type of maintence is required on something like this.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Q

 

[Don S]

Re: New owner needs some advice

Best place for information on your drive is the Mercruiser service manual.<br />Here is a link to the online copy. Sorry, nothing on your engine though.<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf <br /><br />Also, here is a link to some "Less Technical" information on your drive.<br /><br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/

 

[Dreamer1Q]

Re: New owner needs some advice

Thanks Don, that should help out alot. Sorry if I sounded a green as I am. This is my first venture into boating. Up until now I have been playing with fuel injected late model street terrors. Maybe I can meld the two together

 

[rbezdon]

Re: New owner needs some advice

Welcome to iBoats!! Dreaner, that "meld" works to some degree on the engine side but you have to get used to the continuous high engine load and consequential lower RPMs as a result. The camming, carbing,etc takes a slight change in thinking. On the outdrive side not much "melds" over. You need a whole different set of speciialty tools and a much different experience base but I think the guys here can bridge some of that for you. These guys are pretty good and can help. Best site I found and I am a guy who played with cars earlier and now trying to bridge to boating. Tools, however, you are on your own for.

 

[Dreamer1Q]

Re: New owner needs some advice

Thanks Vatter, I figured there were alot of differences, but a 350 block is a 350 block Give or take. First things first, I want to enjoy it for a bit, then I will start modding it. Its a disease I have in my blood. You should ask my wife about my Camaro LOL