Mercruiser Alpha One repair

[klaucke]

Unless you're doing a complete ground up restoration and everything is going to be "perfect," why not use a used powertrain. They really are extremely simple. I had never been into one *at all* before I tackled my project. I took a seized 2.5 out of a junk boat, and put it in my SeaCraft. I had to drill 2 new holes in the transom for the Alpha One instead of the original I/O. A new front engine mount was also needed. It was very little work to install the gimball housing and gimball plate. The motor literally bolts right in (an engine hoist helps).

I just think you could save a lot of money using a used powertrain, that could be very reliable and cost effective. You can take the whole powertrain out in a couple hours (really), and then you will have a good handle on how to assemble it in your boat. You could do it all without even draining any oil!

6k seems like a LOT of money for what you really get (not much). I have less than $500 into my current powertrain AND spare. It seems easy enough to buy a running older boat and steal the powertrain. Again, I had zero prior experience w/ this stuff.