temperedtim
Seaman
- Joined
- May 13, 2009
- Messages
- 50
So like alot of boaters my boat experience started with my father giving me his boat that had been sitting a few years. Boat ran fine when put away with no "known" issues. Well I had to replace the flywheel (chewed up from rust) so I took the motor out and the drive off. With the new flywheel in I ran the motor (on muffs) only to blow a bearing before I even got the boat in the water (whole other story) I got a new (used) motor and put it in the boat a few weeks ago (runs well for sitting a few years and on poor fuel) Problem is there appears to be alot of problems with the drive (alpha one gen 2).The gimbal bearing doesnt growl (yet) and moves freely as do the U joints, however the u joints are rusty. When I replaced the flywheel on the first motor I also replaced the drives gear oil, when hooked up to the muffs I noticed the oil seemed to be getting milky...(bad seal im assuming, since it wasnt even in the water.) So between replacing the motor and all the drive issues Im a bit frustrated and wondering what step to take next. My father thinks I should put it back together and use the boat....but hes a "if it aint broke kinda guy) Ive already invested around $1000 in this old boat (motor, gear oil, flywheel etc) and to get the boat back in "perfect" mechanical condition will take much much more. so.......?
Details;
-Maxum bowrider 18ft
-Mercruiser 3.0 and alpha one gen 2 drive
-Hulls is great shape, trim works, seats are nice etc.
-Replaced motor and it runs pretty well although its not a digital ignition like original was.
-Bellows appear to be leaking water due to rusty U joints.
-from the top of drive nothing inside appears to show any signs of poor wear or damage, however is also appears that the unit is leaking water when hooked to muffs.
I know bellows are difficult to replace on your own and resealing a outdrive is an expensive gig, i was quoted $900. So all and all Im looking at $1500 or more to have a shop take care of this whole mess....right?
or do I put it together and use it? Take my chances, change the gear oil often and marine grease the crap out of the ujoints, gimbal and shaft? Deal with it next year....if it makes it that long. If I had the $1500 to fix it the right way I would....but im tapped on the old "large boat expenses" at least for now.
Whats it worth with all this neglected maintenance? Is there a way to not replaced these thing this year but still use the boat?
sincerely,
frustrated new (used and neglected) boat owner.
Details;
-Maxum bowrider 18ft
-Mercruiser 3.0 and alpha one gen 2 drive
-Hulls is great shape, trim works, seats are nice etc.
-Replaced motor and it runs pretty well although its not a digital ignition like original was.
-Bellows appear to be leaking water due to rusty U joints.
-from the top of drive nothing inside appears to show any signs of poor wear or damage, however is also appears that the unit is leaking water when hooked to muffs.
I know bellows are difficult to replace on your own and resealing a outdrive is an expensive gig, i was quoted $900. So all and all Im looking at $1500 or more to have a shop take care of this whole mess....right?
or do I put it together and use it? Take my chances, change the gear oil often and marine grease the crap out of the ujoints, gimbal and shaft? Deal with it next year....if it makes it that long. If I had the $1500 to fix it the right way I would....but im tapped on the old "large boat expenses" at least for now.
Whats it worth with all this neglected maintenance? Is there a way to not replaced these thing this year but still use the boat?
sincerely,
frustrated new (used and neglected) boat owner.