SEI Opinions(Replacement for Alpha one Gen 2)

[Justin9491]

So recently Ive come across the misfortune of having to buy a new lower half of a unit for my Mercuiser ALpha one Gen 2.
Ive researched SEI a bit and if insurance screws me out of replacing it with Mercruiser Im just gonna drop the claim and go SEI.
My main concerns with SEI are the various horror stories Ive seen on reviews about them.
But what are your opinions on them if you have one or know someone who has had one? I know you cant go wrong with a 3 yr no fault warranty but I want peace of mind when it comes to the reliability of them.
Another concern I have about them is whether or not a lower unit SEI could damage or cause problems with an upper unit mercruiser(2.00 ratio)
As many opinions as possible are appreciated. Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: SEI Opinions(Replacement for Alpha one Gen 2)

many people use them on here and have had nothing but good luck.

 

[Bondo]

Re: SEI Opinions(Replacement for Alpha one Gen 2)

So recently Ive come across the misfortune of having to buy a new lower half of a unit for my Mercuiser ALpha one Gen 2.
Ive researched SEI a bit and if insurance screws me out of replacing it with Mercruiser Im just gonna drop the claim and go SEI.
My main concerns with SEI are the various horror stories Ive seen on reviews about them.
But what are your opinions on them if you have one or know someone who has had one? I know you cant go wrong with a 3 yr no fault warranty but I want peace of mind when it comes to the reliability of them.
Another concern I have about them is whether or not a lower unit SEI could damage or cause problems with an upper unit mercruiser(2.00 ratio)
As many opinions as possible are appreciated. Thanks

Ayuh,.... While I haven't had the need to buy 1,...

I've heard Only Good things 'bout 'em, 'n Nothin' bad 'bout 'em...

 

[Justin9491]

Re: SEI Opinions(Replacement for Alpha one Gen 2)

the not so common things ive heard are things like the prop shaft splines getting stripped cause theyre lower quality, etc.

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: SEI Opinions(Replacement for Alpha one Gen 2)

I'm in the same boat (Pun intended), I was wondering about the quality of them myself. For several hundred dollars less than Merc and with a 3 year warranty, I think that's what I'm gonna get. Sounds like a deal to me.

 

[racinrc14]

Re: SEI Opinions(Replacement for Alpha one Gen 2)

I am on my third year with mine. The only complaint I have is that I wasted so much time researching when I could have been boating. In my opinion, you can't go wrong. The paint isn't the best, but other that that, no worries.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: SEI Opinions(Replacement for Alpha one Gen 2)

In my opinion, you can't go wrong.

Agree 100%. I've installed a couple of them in two different boats. Had a warranty issue with one as the end of the third year was approaching. They rebuilt the entire unit with absolutely no hassles whatsoever. Fantastic company and product.

IThe paint isn't the best, but other that that, no worries.

That's true too. It is mu understanding that they have done something to improve in this area.... but it is nothing a little bit of Rustoleum from time to time can't solve.

 

[jumpjets]

Re: SEI Opinions(Replacement for Alpha one Gen 2)

One more option to consider:

I bought an alpha one re-manufactured complete drive on ebay for $800. It came in a less than beautiful case, but it has worked very well. It didn't have a warranty, and I was kinda rolling the dice on buying a re-man'd from a small dealer selling stuff on ebay. It's been rock solid though, and a lot cheaper than buying a new unit from SEI or merc.

If you have a nice newer boat, I wouldn't go this route. If you have a 22 year old beater boat like I have, it was a great option.