SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

[SAMBONE1]

I HAVE A 1989 115 HP OMC SEA DRIVE ON A 20 FT. PROLINE CC, IT RUNS GOOD BUT THE STEERING ARM IS QUITE RUSTY...IF I WANTED TO SWAP MOTORS...IS THERE ANOTHER ONE THAT WILL MOUNT UP TO THIS BRACKET OR WILL I HAVE TO CHANGE IT AS WELL. IF SO, WHAT COMBO(BRACKET AND MOTOR) WOULD WORK BEST. ALSO, IS THERE A BRACKET THAT USES THE SAME BOLT PATTERN. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

 

[Hooty]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

I don't know about the steering arm but if you're talking about the engine mounting bolt hole pattern, they're pretty universal. Any large engine should fit that pattern.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[JB]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

Sambone.<br /><br />Please do not duplicate your post. Simply reply to it (like this) and it will come back to the top.<br /><br />I deleted the duplicate.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[willxuout2]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

Sambone:<br /><br />You will have to mount another sea drive that runs or you will have to remove the sea drive bracket and install something like an armstrong bracket. The armstrong bracket should install over the hole left in the transom left behind by the sea drive bracket. Keep in mind that if you switch bracket types you will most likely have to replace the steering cable and thottle/shift cables.<br /><br />I have a 87 sea drive bracket with a 97 225hp Ocean pro mounted to it. I checked out Armstrong brackets and it would cost me about $900 for the bracket and another $600 to re-rig plus the cost of the "new" motor @ $12,000. <br /><br />About your rusty steering arm. Are you talking about the vertical shaft that attaches the motor to the bracket. If so, that will rust. Just keep the zinc anodes replaced and spray the rusty areas with a rust inhibitor after every trip and it will last a long time. That is a THICK piece of metal...it's probably just surface rust...nothing to worry about.

 

[Solittle]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

will has it nailed - I have a pair of 1987 1.6L V4 Seadrives and both of my steering arms are rusty.<br /><br />On interchangability - It is my understanding that the powerhead for the SeaDrives are interchangable with any like non SeaDrive powerhead. Also the V6 and V4 are interchangable on the SeaDrive assembly.

 

[SAMBONE1]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

I DONT THINK WERE LOOKING AT THE SAME PART,,,MEANING THE "STEERING ARM"...THIS IS A HORIZONTAL ARM RUNNING FROM MIDSECRION OF ENGINE AND THE "STEERING BAR" ATTACHES TO IT. I'VE BEEN TOLD AND KNOW TO BE TRUE, YOU HAVE TO PRETTY MUCH DISASSSEMBLE THE ENGINE TO REPLACE IT...IT'S PRETTY RUST, BUT LOOKS THICK SO MAYBE IT WILL LAST A FEW MORE RUNS...THANKS..SAM

 

[kameika]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

I have a 1988 2.6L Seadrive. And yep, that steering coupling is pretty rusty on mine, also.<br /><br />Aside from little quirks such as this rusty part, I'm very happy with the engine/bracket assembly.<br /><br />However, that part is probably 0.75'' thick! Me thinks the forces on it are quite small, as compared to the sheer thickness.<br /><br />Okay: I do have a question: What rust inhibitor do you (all) recommend? I had admittedly sanded, primed, and painted that rusty thing. ..A temporary fix, at best. I run the Seadrive off of the NJ coast (salt.)<br /><br />Ken

 

[willxuout2]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

I use a product called "Corrosion X". I've had the boat a year and it has stopped the corrosion in its tracks. I also replaced the zinc anode that protects the same part were talking about from rusting away. I also use corrosion x on the powerhead and all wire connections. So far there is no corrosion on any wiring. I use this boat in the gulf of mexico exclusively so it sees alot of saltwater action.

 

[kameika]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

I appreciate that. I'll get a bottle of the stuff.<br /><br />Listen, that 1988 Seadrive has been very well cared-for. If I can keep the normal wear to a minimum, I believe I can get another 3-5 years out of the boat. If possible, I'd be estatic. <br /><br />Many thanks!<br />Ken

 

[SAMBONE1]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

What is this zinc anode your refering to...thanks...Sam

 

[DJ]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

SAMBONE1,<br /><br />Zinc anodes are grey metal parts that are bolted to your engine/bracket in certain places. There should be two on the lower unit and one or more on the bracket. Unless yours are gone! <br /><br />These anodes sacrifice themselves, to corosion, instead of critical parts of the engine.<br /><br />The anodes should NOT be painted.

 

[kameika]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

On yours, here is where to look:<br /><br />On the seadrive bracket--beneath the "works," you'll find the "base plate." A very large Zinc is bolted-on via FOUR Stainless bolts + nuts. I believe they're 6-32 size, but don't quote me.<br /><br />The part I am referring to is on the VERY LOWEST alumimum plate of your Seadrive. The casted part has many "strength ribs" cast into it.<br /><br />Next, on your lower unit--you'll see THREE Zincs. The first two are in the LU body in a recess. One each on the port and on the starboard side.<br /><br />Finally, there is a "hidden" Zinc INSIDE the LU, behind the propeller. This is a killer to install, and many OMC owners I know of do not install this last one, because it is very difficult to install.. That last zinc is hidden aft the exhaust exit inside of the LU housing "bell."<br /><br />I hope this helps.<br /><br />-Ken

 

[SAMBONE1]

Re: SEA DRIVE OPTIONS

Thanks,<br />Yall are great! Another question...the boat has'nt been taken out in about a year...it has been cranked...I took it out this past weekend and I noticed that when I throdled down it was not quick to accerlate....it took a couple of minutes to reach proper rmp...any clues?