Transom plate interchangability

[roscoe1]

I have a 1977 Formula with a 350 Chevorlet/Mercruiser I/O (freshwater cooled) with a rusted through outer transom plate. A friend of mine has a mid-'80's Glastron 350 Chev/Merc Alpha (standard cooling) for parts. Does anyone know offhand if the newer Alpha transom plate assembly will swap into my transom cut-out, bolt pattern, and exhaust setup? <br />Thanks,<br />John

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Transom plate interchangability

it should. Others will chime in soon with the exact details!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom plate interchangability

If you've got a handle on All of the Parts,+ Pieces of the Alpha,...... Go For It,.... It's a Great Update......<br /><br />You'll have to use All of the Alpha Parts,.....<br />Exhaust,.....<br />Rear Motor Mount/engine flywheel cover plate,(different motor mount width on the inner transom plate)....<br />And,.. The Alpha Trim System is Much Better.......<br /><br />Your Old outdrive will also bolt right up to the Alpha gimbel housing......<br /><br />As far as the Transom "Cut-Out",.........<br />All the Mercruisers are the Same,..............<br />The Newer 1s need a couple more 1/2" holes drilled,.... But that's about the Only differences.......<br />Pre-Alpha,...<br />Alpha 1,....<br />Alpha 1, genII,..... This is where the Extra holes start,....<br />And Bravo,.........<br /><br />Same Hole.......... <br />

| From: maine |

John,..... Where Abouts,..????<br />I was Born,+ Raised in Old Town,...... Ayuh,... A Maineiac..........

 

[funnyboy]

Re: Transom plate interchangability

Just what I was looking for, thanks. I would have thought the rear motor mounts were the same by eye-balling them so you already saved me from a potential headache. <br /><br />1) The lower exhaust "t" and exhaust downpipes from the risers appear to be squarish on the Alpha while mine are roundish. They will still bolt-up at the inner/outer transom plate, right? <br /><br />2) I will have to change the flywheel cover/rear motor mounts on the motor to match the new Alpha inner transom plate, right?<br /><br />3) My old transom assembly has six (6) through-bolts but the Alpha has more, right?<br /><br />4) The boat already has an ALpha drive...I'm curious...how is the trim/tilt better?<br /><br />...and...I am at Toddy Pond which is pretty close to Old Town...what took you to NY??<br /><br />Thanks for the info,<br />John

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom plate interchangability

1) Probably have to switch to the Alpha set up......<br /><br />2) Ayuh,.... Pre-Alpha, the bolts are 15" on centers,... Alphas are 9"s.......<br /><br />3) Nope,... Same as Yours...... Next Newer 1s have 8......<br /><br />4) The Alpha trim pump does away with the "Reverse Lock Switch mounted on the inside of your transom..........<br /><br /><br />I can't remember Toddy Pond,..... I'll have to dig out my Delorme Atlas,+ Look it Up....... <br />I've still got a place on Chemo Pond in the town of Bradley,.. but on the Clifton side......<br />

what took you to NY??

It started as a Winter with Relatives,... Back in 1975,.......<br />It turned into Life,.... With all it's Twists,+ Turns,........ <br /><br />Good Luck...

 

[funnyboy]

Re: Transom plate interchangability

Thanks Bondo, <br />Toddy Pond is about 20 miles from the Airline and Chemo Pond. We are near Blue Hill.<br /><br />You have given me plenty of good information to do this project. Unfortunately, the rot in the transom is more prevalent than I first thought and I also found today that the motor mounts are rotten like a sponge, the stringers,too. I bought this boat Nov '04 and used it about 6 hours in July. To say I am disappointed would be an understatement as it is too late in the season to start such a project....I've wasted too much of my summer as it is with this thing. And here I always thought Formula was a quality built boat.<br /><br />I guess I'm done whining for now.....<br />John

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom plate interchangability

Ayuh,....... I found you,.....<br /><br />The upper pond looks like it might be Shallow, with all those islands.... Flows right down through to the Mighty Penobby....... Is Toddy a "Cold" water, or "Warm" water pond,.....<br /><br />I'm Sorry to hear about your Hull Issues,......<br />Rot comes from Neglect,+ Abuse,...... Nothing to do with the Original Build Quality,........<br /><br />You've still got a Doable Project,..... If you Really Love the Hull,..... It'll be Worth it,......<br />If you wander down the the Restoration Forums,.... <br />There's a Bunch of fella's down there who've "Been There,... Done That"..........

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Transom plate interchangability

nice boat worth fixing..<br />those era Formulas are super nice. I think it was a 1977 FC255 I wanted to buy once, but I was married then and we ended up with something more practical or somethin'...

 

[funnyboy]

Re: Transom plate interchangability

Toddy is a cold water lake about 8 miles long. 1st (or Lower Toddy) gets to 130' deep while 2nd and 3rd (or Middle and Upper) average 20-30' deep. There are plenty of rocks to keep you busy, though. <br /><br />I love the 233 and it seemed well cared for. When I pulled the gimbal hopusing off the transom there wasn't any caulk anywhere. I can understand the transom rotting, but how does the motor mounts and stringers rot if they were properly sealed at the factory? I'm not interested in doing this project-I rescued an old Invader and swore I'd never do it again. I'd like to dump the boat and perhaps find another 233 that needs repowering. My engine and drive are excellent.<br />Thanks.