What would you do?

[clinton152]

Hello. New guy with a new boat. Not new to old boats. This past weekend I picked up a 1965 24 foot Formula with fresh twin inline 6 cylinders. It appears to been repowered at a later time. The previous owner passed away and many answers went with him. The problem is that there was only one outdrive with the package. After several opinions I have learned the outdrive in hand, that looks brand new, is a Merc 1. It does have the lifting hook. The gear ratio must be 1.65 because everybody agrees on that. While trying to determine exactly what was there I posted a wanted ad on C.L. for an Alpha One drive. The phone rang off the hook... Once the mistake was realized I quickly found out how difficult the task of find another #1 drive would be. A few have said that you can bolt an Alpha in place of it,and others have said you cant. I really dont care if the drives appear different from the back, and really must think about future repairs. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: What would you do?

Do you by any chance have a SN for the drive you do have? That would help narrow down what you have. The Alpha, R, and MR will replace a 1 drive from 73 and newer, but not older. So a SN for the engine, transom shields or your one outdrive can really help determine the year and what will fit.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What would you do?

A few have said that you can bolt an Alpha in place of it,

Ayuh,.. You sure Can...
But,..
You'll have to use the shorter 8" input shaft...

I think the I6s came with either the 1.65:1, or maybe the 1.84:1....

Btw,... Welcome Aboard.....

 

[alumi numb]

Re: What would you do?

you mentioned lifting hook as mine is.
i'm new also so i'm limited.
however on ebay there are several with lifting hooks.
go to boat parts and accessories and type in "pre alpha".
they seem to come up fairly ofter there.
craigslist is another good medium.
il. iowa and wis. seem to come up with a lot of old junkers good for parts.
hope you the best.

 

[clinton152]

Re: What would you do?

No serial number to be found. I have trouble trusting if the outdrive purchased unseen will actually match. I can have a number one put together for me locally for 600 dollars, and in the scheme of things may be inexpensive. Alpha ones seem to be around 2-3 hundred used and in good shape??

 

[Don S]

Re: What would you do?

Alpha ones seem to be around 2-3 hundred used and in good shape??

I have had drives that customers brought me to check out that were in "Good Shape" according to the seller. Unfortunitally, they were unusable.
Be VERY careful what you buy off the internet sight unseen.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: What would you do?

Clinton152..
1st off welcome aboard! These guys know their stuff!

I am posting pics of your CL posting, the drives at least. I saw your posting earlier today at work.
Maybe it will help, but without SN#s, it will be tough. Unless you get them off the motors and just replace w/new OD's.

 

[clinton152]

Re: What would you do?

I agree on purchasing a used unit. Thats why the ?? marks. Thank you for posting the pictures from C.L. A friend referred a friend that does this for a living and he has been informative. Going to see him on Monday. Ultimately I hope to learn the skills necessary to do some repairs in the garage. Thanks again to all that have helped. I am motivated and hope to be wet in T minus 60 days.

 

[Big Boat Bay Buster]

Re: What would you do?

Wow, lucky you. I winterized my boat 2 weeks ago and I miss it already. In NYC, its not going above freezing today. Must be nice to boat all year.
You should be able to locate a pre alpha for a 6 cly without too much problem. Just make sure its good, those drives are old, stopped in '83 I believe. Sounds like an interesting boat, any pics???
Chris

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: What would you do?

Hey BBBB!
It's 83 degrees right now, if it makes you feel better, it was a chilly 55 degrees overnight..I never even heard of this mythical "winterizing" thing till joining this site! lol

But when you say "Make sure it's good"
Maybe some tips on what somebody would inspect and test to do just that?

 

[clinton152]

Re: What would you do?

The pictures are not very good but here they are. Too much stuff next to it.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: What would you do?

You posted 600 for the drive you need GURANTEED?

Not a bad price if the guy stands behind the product.

I always like to touch feel smell what i buy.

Whats everything else look like the rubber on both drives etc?

The impeller good in the one you have?

 

[ziggy]

Re: What would you do?

don't know who's drive that is, i get the feeling that it's the one the op still has. but i'd venture a guess thats pre alpha upper by the lifting eye, with the lower replaced with an alpha1 lower... squared off vent plate. not that that makes any difference really i don't suppose. serial number on the upper that ya still have might be here..

this is a 72 1 drive.... seial number under the sticker, i had to scrape the paint off to read it...