New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

[chewy7097h]

Ok - I've decided to replace my drive due to the repair estimate being higher than the cost of replacing my existing. The question - new SEI with warranty and support or used Merc Alpha 1? Based on what I have seen on e-bay, I can get a used merc for half the price of a new SEI. This would be replacing a 1987 Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1 - 120 HP motor. I'm leaning towards the SEI, but I'd prefer the input of the experts here.

 

[Don S]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

How used up is that used drive? Or is it any good at all. No warranty on used stuff. Probably someone parting out a junk boat and selling the drive. Probably doesn't even know if it's good or not. YOU will just be taking someones word on rather it's good or bad.

Do you feel lucky?????

 

[JustJason]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

Do ya??? Punk!!!

j/k....

go new.... you never know what your buying on ebay....
or if you go used... Try to find one locally.... one that you can actually pressure test and spin by hand

 

[chewy7097h]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

I'll go with you Don and CaptJason on this one - I already have an old, abused, used up drive. Don't need another one. New SEI it will be...

P.S. Sorry for not reading the rest of the posts about SEI - this has already been debated (over and over and over).

If we have to, we can change my screen name to "green horn" for a couple weeks...

Thanks again to everybody here...

 

[Bondo]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

Ayuh,......

I had My heart set on buying 1 of those SEI drives this summer for this project barge I've got,.....
I was just torn, arguing with Myself about whether to use an Alpha 1, or Gen.II transom assembly,..
I happen to have both kicking around,....

Last week at the Shop, I mentioned this arguement to My Bud, Bob.......
He told me there's Only 1 Answer,......
He's got a Complete, still in the boat, Bravo 1, 1988 vintage....
When I inquired about what it might set me back to Own it,....
He said he wasn't at all sure, but We'd work it out.......
Soooo,.... I Donno,... I just might Possibly be jumping Up to the Bravo 1.....

Maybe I'll need 1 of those New SEI Bravo 1 lowers........

 

[BAYLINER185]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

Used drives I think are ok if they arent tore up and abused. As long as they were taken care of then they should be good. I think you will have no probems with an SEI either. I looked at thier site and when they start producing more parts for Bravo One's Ill be looking there if I ever need parts and pieces.

I have a funny feeling the SEI drives are made in the same place the Merc's are. I read on the SEI site in the FAQ's about cheep knock off replica Merc drives and they dont sound like they are to me. They problably have some weird deal with the manufacture as to how there able to do what they do, who knows who cares as long as we can get quality drives cheep!

 

[Don S]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

Used drives I think are ok if they arent tore up and abused. As long as they were taken care of then they should be good

And just how does one go about finding that out off an ebay sale??? Believe the seller???? Come on man, be real.

I've had customers bring in drives off ebay, that were in worse shape than what they were trying to replace. But they end up loosing 5 -600 bucks on pure junk.

 

[JustJason]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

I've had customers bring in drives off ebay, that were in worse shape than what they were trying to replace. But they end up loosing 5 -600 bucks on pure junk.

And its a damm shame too!!!! Aluminum doesn't even make a good anchor!

 

[tmh]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

Well, if you find an honest seller and he knows the history of the drive, maybe used is OK. I think you have to factor in the value of your boat - it may be great for you but a 20 year old small, low power boat with a NEW outdrive is still a 20 year old..... So if it were me I'd look locally (Craigslist, eBay locally, maybe a merc repair shop or two) for a drive you can get a better feel for from the owner before dropping $$$ on a new one. My guess is IF you find one you can get it for closer to 1/4 the cost of new.

Nothing wrong with dropping the $$$ on new if you have to to make your boat "whole" again IF it's a boat you'll be keeping a while though. Heck, i spend crazy $$$ on my 1985 boat even though i know the boat isn't really "worth it" - just ask my wife.

 

[chewy7097h]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

I'm keeping it for at least four or five more years - this is where "new with 3 yr warranty" gets really attractive. The flips side is that a boat with useless or missing drive is absolutely worthless, save for the engine and the trailer.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: New SEI106 vs Used Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1

Unless this used drive is a known quantity to you, I can't believe you have to actually ask this question. Brand new Alpha drive, with a 3 year no fault warranty, all for $1200? NO BRAINER. SEI drive all the way.