Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

[dmbfanatpsu]

OK so here is my situation: I have a 99 Johnson OceanPro 200 and we hit a reef pretty hard last weekend and damaged the lower unit in such that the entire lower unit needs replaced. Basically I had my mechanic look at it and in conclusion he said that he'll undo the entire lower unit and put in a replacement. He is looking for a used one and I suggested just buying a new one as such from this website http://www.sterndrive.cc/mm5/mercha...=SE&Product_Code=90-306-B&Category_Code=SE306 in which after the water pump, drive shaft, etc...will be around $1700. I spoke to the mechanic and told him this and he said that a replacement lower unit would should run around $7000-$8000 and that for $1700 it must only be the shell for the lower unit and nothing else?
So basically I'm trying to get my head around if the lower unit (in the link above) that cost $845 is correct if I'm replacing the ENTIRE lower unit or would I need that and additional $5000-$6000 worth of other parts to replace the lower unit?

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

I guess you need to call the number on that website, and figure it out.

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

its an aftermarket lower unit.... not oem parts. the aftermarket lower units dont have a good reputation at all, i would stay away. And there is no way a new lower from the dealer costs $7k! you can buy a complete powerhead for your motor for less than that. if i was you, i would just look for a good working condition used lower unit. they go for $800-1000 usually and will probably last longer than a brand new aftermarket one would. just for reference... i just saw a late 90s 225 ocean pro with blown power head sell for $700 for the complete motor, including lower, trim and tilt, everything. so look around, see what you can find on craigslist, ask any local boat repair shops, they often have lowers sitting around.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

its an aftermarket lower unit.... not oem parts. the aftermarket lower units dont have a good reputation at all, i would stay away. And there is no way a new lower from the dealer costs $7k! you can buy a complete powerhead for your motor for less than that. if i was you, i would just look for a good working condition used lower unit. they go for $800-1000 usually and will probably last longer than a brand new aftermarket one would. just for reference... i just saw a late 90s 225 ocean pro with blown power head sell for $700 for the complete motor, including lower, trim and tilt, everything. so look around, see what you can find on craigslist, ask any local boat repair shops, they often have lowers sitting around.

SEI lower units have a "bad reputation" ?

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

I had a similar situation a year ago, dog clutch was worn out on a '94 johnson 150.

I considered the same lower units you are and was given the same advice about their quality. I also considered having the lower unit rebuilt and realized I would still have a older motor after considerable expense. Then I considered buying a used LU and realized that I wouldn't really know what I was buying, it could last 5 years or 5 days.

I finally decided to buy a new motor, it has a 5 year warrantee, no scheduled maintenance for 3 years, it's very easy to winterize and burns about 60% of the fuel that my old outboard used.

Hope this helps.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

SEI has an excellent reputation. I wouldn't hesitate to save $5000 and buy one.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

Welcome to iboats! Sorry to hear about your collision.

SEI has a real good reputation.

Your mechanic is OVER THE TOP!

The OEM cost from ShopEvinrude.com is $3,517.38 USD for the gearcase assembly and the availability is limited. Kick in a water pump for about $60 more. ............. You do the math

If it is all that needs replacing you are talking about 1 hour of labor max.

Now if you have damage to the driveshaft, exhaust housing and more then yes the price goes way up.

Do you have access to the motor and the ability to take some pictures. You might be able to walk away from this cheaper then you think.

I will move this to the Evinrude/Johnson section and we will wait for your reply.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

SEI LU's have a two year warranty ... they'd be out of business if they sold junk. Your mechanic is obviously ignorant.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

If you go with the SEI replacement unit, which is what I would do, you will need to transplant your upper driveshaft to the new gearcase. Make sure your is on good shape.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

SEI LU's have a two year warranty ... they'd be out of business if they sold junk. Your mechanic is obviously ignorant.

Three year warranty. "The three year fault-free warranty covers any damage to the drive that requires it to be repaired or replaced including failures resulting from lack of oil, fishing line, impact, neglect, and other abuse."

 

[boobie]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

For my 2 cents worth, I've heard nothing but good about SEI. You can also check the Stickey files for salavage yards.

 

[MaddysDaddy]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

thats crazy expensive!!! with the guidence from this forums you can do it your self. with that kind of money you could rent a workshop buy new tools and still save!!
try to find a used one, somebody has a bum motor with a good LU somewhere

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Confused about replacing the ENTIRE lower unit?

Is your boat mechanic a Mercedes mechanic working on the side? He's talking ridiculous money for for an 11 year old motor. Replacing a lower unit is just a 1/2 hr. job, and I'd get your boat out of his hands.

I suggest you start by looking into BoatTrader.com and EBayMotors.com for their boat parts sections. You'll have to do some filtering, or you might be looking at thousands of ad's. Large book stores have great boat magazines with advertisements for such parts. I see such parts all the time on the internet. LanierMarine.com is a huge Atlanta boat salvage yard with incredible inventories.

Good luck!