Merc outdrive questions.

[Boomyal]

No I haven't switched but I may join the ranks of you black anchor owners. In otherwords
I may become Bi-:^ I may have just picked up an 18.5 ft charmer (Beachcraft runabout with a 302 and an 888 drive, all for the princely sum of $400.00. I'll post pics if it happens. It's one of those things that you'd hope to find and never do.

Anyway, what is the difference between an 888 and 988 drive and where do they both fit in the greater scheme of things Merc.

Also, when pulling just the engine is there anything to know regarding the outdrive and bellhousing? Or just detach the motor and pull it?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Merc outdrive questions.

Boom the 888 desiginates 8-cyl 188hp ford 302. I'm not familiar with the 988, but there is a 898 which is a 8-cyl 198hp Chevy 305.

As far as pulling the motor, place the throttle in forward, pull the drive, then pull the engine.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Merc outdrive questions.

RP, maybe I meant an 898. This boat that I might get is the 888 with the 302. There is another near identical boat with a Chev 305. It's the one that has the 898?

Thanks for the heads up on pulling the motor. The newer but better shape Beachcraft has the 305 in it and it is brooooooooken, so it has to come out.

Where do either or both of these drives fit into the strength and reliabily order of Merc outdrives?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Merc outdrive questions.

Boom they're decent drives, just can't put to much power in front of them.

The 888 came with 1.50:1 gears.
The 898 came with 1.65:1 gears.