1991 mercruiser alpha 1 problem

[Kubotamech]

I am looking at buying a 1991 Glastron boat with a 5.7 motor and alpha 1 sterndrive. The problem is that the motor support rotted and the front of the engine dropped down about 1 1/2 to 2 inches. When it did the boat made a whirring sound (quoted from owner) and the prop stopped turning. What could be possibly damaged or could it have simply disconnected from something. I have never worked on a boat and I know very little as to how it works.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: 1991 mercruiser alpha 1 problem

I would pass on this boat. When you have rot like that you most likely will find bad areas all over the boat. This could mean redoing the floor the stringers and the transom. After you rebuilt the boat you would need to fix the damage caused by the engine dropping down. Most likely it runied the engine coupler. It could be worse. You really can not test much unless you raise the front of the engine and remove the drive. Then you would need to have the engine and the drive checked. This is not the boat you should start with.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1991 mercruiser alpha 1 problem

Ayuh,... I'm with Lyle on this 1...

That's a parts Donor boat, Not a Runner....

 

[Don S]

Re: 1991 mercruiser alpha 1 problem

The problem is that the motor support rotted and the front of the engine dropped down about 1 1/2 to 2 inches.

That has to be the worst case of rot in a 91 boat I have heard of, that or Glastron forgot to fiberglass the stringers. I would hate to even think what shape the transom and every other piece of wood in that boat is like. Unless you are into replacing the stringer, and the transom (HUGE DIRTY JOB) it's time to keep looking.

When it did the boat made a whirring sound (quoted from owner) and the prop stopped turning.

If you really want to know what that noise was, my guess is it was a lot more that a whir. the coupler probably disassembled itself, when the engine dropped that much, I would wonder what else between the engine and the inner transom shield broke, maybe a mount, perhaps an exhaust Y. who knows. IF you needed an engine and drive, that boat MIGHT be worth something. 100 bucks tops. if the engine doesn't have a cracked block from not being winterized.

 

[Kubotamech]

Re: 1991 mercruiser alpha 1 problem

The problem for me was the boat was 4 hours away from looking at it myself. I sent my brother to look at it for me and the boat was gorgeous inside and out. My brother said that the support had verry little fiberglass on it. My brother also suggested it was a lot worse elsewhere also. I passed on it. Monday I picked up my brand new 01 Sea Ray 180. Or at least new to me. A much better deal anyways. Thanks for all your help