New outdrive

[ontherocks83]

So I bought my 1989 Strobe 201 last year knowing that it is a full resto but a useable still enjoy it while I restore it resto. Last year I had to replace the port head and spent most of the year doing a pulse check on the rest of the boat and making a mental list of needed repairs. Well now the next item in line is the outdrive. The original owner has obviously spent some time in the ocean and the resulting damage is obvious.

I work at a car dealer and our lead tech also has a side boat repair business. Truthfully the boat repair is his real job and he just works here for the benefits.

Anywho I had him look at it and the lower unit has lots of electrolysis damage and it only took a few taps of a hammer to get a huge hole to open up in the lower unit. He is going to take the upper apart and see if it is salvageable. My thought on it is if the upper will need replacement in 2 or 3 years then I'll just do the whole unit now. If it looks like it'll last a long time then I'll do just the lower (though I doubt this will be the case).

Anyways back to my question (sorry I get distracted easily)

What does the collective wisdom here suggest for a replacement?

So far this is the best deal I've found. Does anyone know of a better deal or have reviews about ordering this unit?

http://www.sterndrivereplacement.com/sterndrive-mercruiser/alpha-one-gen-1


Thanks all

 

[fast94persuader]

I don't think I would buy anything that wasn't a real merc drive. Maybe other people have used them but if it were me I would find a Merc just my 2 cents.

 

[Old Navy]

That is a good choice for a replacement drive. (No Kidding) I have only heard good things about those Chinese copies of the Alpha drives. The price is right too! Merc drives are way too expensive.

 

[Gimme Fuel]

SEI Drives have a good reputation and they do stand behind their unconditional warranty. Their Bravo gears have actually independently tested with better metallurgy than Merc's junk. Most guys with they would make Bravo Upper's but so far they only make lowers for that application.

I would have no problem getting an SEI outdrive especially an alpha.

Other cheaper option is to find a nice used one off of craigslist. Alpha's are a dime a dozen darn near.

 

[corey331]

I actually know a couple of people that have replaced their Alpha's with those SEI drives. I only saw one issue pop up with one of them and it was still in the warranty period and the company was right on top of things, sending him a new drive. So I hear their customer service is excellent. The other person I know with one has had many seasons of problem free boating with theirs. This is not under a big power application though. I think it s a 305ci.

 

[miller]

Put one on an eluded behind a pretty healthy 400" sbc at least 5 years ago & haven't had any issues with it. It's turning a 27" mirage plus alittle over 5k.