SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

[gabe1]

Hello
I have been shopping for a bellows KIT for my alpha one

I notice the SEI (Sterndrive Engineering ) are a a lot cheaper then Mercruiser Kits,about half price.

Anyone here has used SEI products?
If so how do they compare to the mercruiser product?

I want to save some money but I don't want the boat to sink because the bellows are poor quality.

Thanks
Gabe

 

[bobboater1]

Re: SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

i been seeing them all over ebay..i am new to merc drives..my buddy went thur 3 rebuilt here in pa about 5 yrs ago @ 1500+ each..bad tech imo...anyone know the score with these i am and oem parts buyer with 99% of my parts but anyone know about these please help as lots of guys can not afford $1500 rebuilt when these are $1200 new...how can they copy these this close????
bob/philly

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

Well I don't know about the quality of the bellows themselves, but from what I have read on this forum, the drives seem to be pretty decent....
They did have some issues with the paint holding up though......
Back to the bellows....
Didn't know they made them....
SO I can't speak on their quality....
The one (well two things) that I would take into consideration are: 1) The bellows job is a time consuming pain, & 2) If it fails, you are in for alot more problems than just the bellows.....
Is $50 dollars extra gonna break the bank to go OEM?.....
But the new ones can be just fine....
One can only wonder what the profit margin has been all these years for Merc. on stuff like this without any competition.......JK

 

[bobboater1]

Re: SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

just $50 xtra for merc?????????????????
thats all
bob

 

[gabe1]

Re: SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

SEI (Sterndrive Engineering ) KIT
Here's what's included:

Gimbal Bearing
Driveshaft bellows
Exhaust bellows
Shift cable bellows
All of the o-rings, gaskets and seals needed
All of the stainless steel clamps needed

for $80 bucks

Same Mercruiser Kit is costs around $180 !!

Since this is my first time buying it I figure I would ask for some advice first.

Thanks
Gabriel

 

[gabe1]

Re: SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

It also includes the water hose.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

The only ones I would be concerned with are the drive shaft & shift cable bellows if you are worried about taking on water.....
Without seeing the condition of what you have on the boat now, & seeing the quality of the rubber of the SEI kit, I can't give an informed answer.....
I will say this: if the bellows need replacing, the shift cable most likely does, too....
Sierra makes reasonably priced replacement parts, & you can get them at Napa.....JK

 

[tommays]

Re: SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

From i BUY a lot of bearings point of view , and i buy them for quality and long life as its a PITA to have down time in a plant


The gimble bearing is way to Cheep


the newer merc shift cable with the black coating on the inner wire is much better than any of the aftermarket ones i have seen

Tommays

 

[DJ]

Re: SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

I always use OEM, when available.

Why? I'm lazy. I like to use stuff that I know was designed specifically for what I'm working on, will fit and last.

Besides, I hate supporting "knock off" rip off artists.

 

[Bondo]

Re: SEI versus Mercruiser Produts

I use Sierra parts from NAPA,............

Without Issues...............

With My connections at My local store,......
I get My parts at the prices the Marinas Pay...........

The Only Mercruiser Parts I buy, are the 1s I Can't get elsewhere...........