what parts to buy?

[madams]

I dont even know where to start, but this looks like a great place. My boyfriend bought this boat about 4 years ago from a guy who said he was one owner. It is i think a 1985, checkmate diplomat with a 190 Inboard/outboard motor on it. We took it to ceasars creek in ohio when the water was really low and ran on a rock. The propellor was bent and the pointed fin on the bottom was broke off. The motor would still run but when we put it in gear the prop wouldnt spin. We got someone to pull us to the shore and I parked it. I have been told that I need a new lower unit but I dont have any idea what to look for as far as identifying features to get any numbers or whatever to start looking for the parts. I would appreciate it if you all could point me in the right direction. I can get more information from the boat or the owners manual if needed. Thanks in advance for any assistance with this.

 

[Shameless]

Take the boat to a local Mercury dealer to have the repairs done, then turn it in to the insurance company.

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 25P Mirage Plus

 

[175checkmate]

I agree with Bill, there is alot than go wrong down there. I would have a dealer look at it to see for sure what the trouble is. Hard to trouble shoot with out see it. Good luck and I hope you guys get back on the water soon.

1975 Checkmate Tri-mate 2, 2.4 200+

 

[madams]

Thanks for the advice so far. When we first wrecked I took the boat to a dealer that told me I needed a lower unit. He said to rebuild mine would be aroun $3k but I could buy a rebuilt one for under $1k and he advised me to go that route, explained that it was just a few bolts to hook up and no special experience was required to bolt on a rebuilt unit, he even offered to do it for $50 if I buy the unit. My question is how do I find out what type of lower unit to buy. Where do I look for an identifying feature on the motor so I can start to look in the used sections for a rebuilt unit. Sorry for the confusion, I wasnt wanting you all to troubleshoot the matter, I just thought this might be a good place to get information as you seem like you might be able to tell me where to look to find out what model or numbers or whatever I need to look for replacement unit. thanks

 

[JW]

There isn't a lot of different drives that were used, you probably have an Alpha lower unit. Somewhere on the unit you should see some sort of indentification. If not, just have your dealer tell you what you have. Alpha is smaller, Bravo is bigger. If you know what model (ie. 'Alpha' or 'Bravo') and you know what year it is, then you can use just that info to find a good replacement.
As far as WHERE to find a replacement, there's a huge place in southern Michigan that's basically a boat junkyard. It's called Hildenbrands or Hildebrands or Hillenbrands or something close to that. You could also run through your yellow pages and call all of the boat dealers around to get their advice. The Mercury website can also help you find your local dealers.
Hopefully you have the boat insured, as Bill mentioned. Hitting submerged objects is fully covered by most boat insurance.

1995 Pulsare 2100BR/1995 Mercury Promax 225 2.5 EFI/ 1.87:1 Torquemaster/ RapidJack Heavy-Duty manual 10.5" setback/ 23" Tempest worked for ski duty

 

[Shameless]

If a dealer tells you that he will install it for 50 buck, have them do it. It sound like you guys have no mechanical experiance with this, which is not bad, but the dealer should run everything and make sure there is no other problems. If any problems occur within a couple of monthes, generally it will be covered under a warranty. Insurance will pay for this minus deductable, so have the dealer get you a drive, new or rebuilt, have them install it, and you are back inn the water. If you do not do it right now, you will regret it down the road.

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 25P Mirage Plus