Went to SML- Alpha 1 outdrive go BOOM!

[Mike-n-Jolie]

Man,went out to SML for a long weekend,took the boat. Put it in the water,was running perfect(don't they all before they blow?). Running about 45 and felt like the motor was leaning out. Backed off the throttle and got a WICKED vibration. Pulled it back to idle and something went"clang" and that was the end of it. No movement forward or reverse,eng. output shaft was turning,temp guage started climbing. I looked really cool with my paddle on the bow trying to get back to shore. Got in touch with a great mechanic,he came and towed my boat,picked up my trailer,pulled the boat out of the water and tore down the drive in a couple hours. Pinion gears sheared. Now I'm waiting for a cost estimate. Oh the joy.:smt089 At least he thinks like I do-don't band aid it-go through it and overhaul it. Now its just a matter of seeing which option is best,overhaul or replace. Yay.

 

[highslice]

I have a friend that just had the same thing happen, only on a brand new Chaparrel with Volvo power. At least with a 16 year old boat, there is a reasonable expectation that something like this could happen. I know first hand that it's never fun breaking on the water. Good luck.

 

[Mike-n-Jolie]

I have a friend that just had the same thing happen, only on a brand new Chaparrel with Volvo power. At least with a 16 year old boat, there is a reasonable expectation that something like this could happen. I know first hand that it's never fun breaking on the water. Good luck.

Thanks. Yeah, I bought an older boat with the knowledge that stuff will break. Hell,stuff breaks on brand new boats. I figured I would buy an old boat and "learn" the ins and outs of boat ownership before I stepped up to a new one. It was actually a good idea. I would have been peeved if some of the mistakes I've made were on a 40k rig. So far the boat has been pretty good. We've had a couple of problems but-it keeps life interesting. I feel very confident with the mechanic I found. EXCELLENT customer service and professionalism. Should be going to pick it up in two weeks or so. Then we'll see what breaks next.:smt038

 

[highslice]

Thanks. Yeah, I bought an older boat with the knowledge that stuff will break. Hell,stuff breaks on brand new boats. I figured I would buy an old boat and "learn" the ins and outs of boat ownership before I stepped up to a new one. It was actually a good idea. I would have been peeved if some of the mistakes I've made were on a 40k rig. So far the boat has been pretty good. We've had a couple of problems but-it keeps life interesting. I feel very confident with the mechanic I found. EXCELLENT customer service and professionalism. Should be going to pick it up in two weeks or so. Then we'll see what breaks next.:smt038

I hear ya, it's not "if, but "when".