Upgrading Alpha 1 Gen 1 drive unit and motor...

[mrsmucker]

Hello, I am such an amateur at everything boat related, but still like having fun at a cost, so bare with me.

Long story short, I am on my 5th boat in as many years, trying to find something that fits our families constantly changing conditions. I just purchased of all things, a 21' 1986 Century Volante Deck Boat, 200/V8 Mercruiser engine I/O.

Crazy thing is, the boat is in excellent condition and we are so far loving it in almost every category, short of age.

Let?s say I want to plan for the inevitable... an outdrive failure. What would be the best upgrade in a direct bolt up situation, or with minimum modifications?

I'm also anticipating engine upgrade to a higher HP crate engine from Summit Racing... thus the reason for an upgraded higher HP outdrive question up front.

I doubt if I would even approach 400 HP, but just looking for all it can be in this 2012 decade, vs., the 1986 decade the boat was built in.

I figure with new paint and interior, a near perfect haul... then why not upgrade engine and drive. Even if I drop $8K - $10K in motor and drive, I am still in this whole package for a third of a new boat in an appearance timeless package.

Let me have... what all haven't I thought through on this...

Thanks in advance, I'm a good practical listener, very capable mechanic and machinist with 32 years as a steel mill millwright; I can do anything but spell... LOL

 

[series60]

Re: Upgrading Alpha 1 Gen 1 drive unit and motor...

Hello, I am such an amateur at everything boat related, but still like having fun at a cost, so bare with me.

Long story short, I am on my 5th boat in as many years, trying to find something that fits our families constantly changing conditions. I just purchased of all things, a 21' 1986 Century Volante Deck Boat, 200/V8 Mercruiser engine I/O.

Crazy thing is, the boat is in excellent condition and we are so far loving it in almost every category, short of age.

Let?s say I want to plan for the inevitable... an outdrive failure. What would be the best upgrade in a direct bolt up situation, or with minimum modifications?

I'm also anticipating engine upgrade to a higher HP crate engine from Summit Racing... thus the reason for an upgraded higher HP outdrive question up front.

I doubt if I would even approach 400 HP, but just looking for all it can be in this 2012 decade, vs., the 1986 decade the boat was built in.

I figure with new paint and interior, a near perfect haul... then why not upgrade engine and drive. Even if I drop $8K - $10K in motor and drive, I am still in this whole package for a third of a new boat in an appearance timeless package.

Let me have... what all haven't I thought through on this...

Thanks in advance, I'm a good practical listener, very capable mechanic and machinist with 32 years as a steel mill millwright; I can do anything but spell... LOL

"the inevitable... an outdrive failure?" Outdrives generally don't fail. People fail outdrives!

SEI sells new outdrives for around $1500 (Alpha 1). Good up to 300HP.
A new sbc $3000+ approaching 300HP.

A pretty face does not a boat make. A boat that age very possibly will have wood rot. Transom would be the big question. Generally wood rot will extend completely though the boats wood structure. You would definitely need to have a real good look at the transom/stringers, engine mounts and internal flotation before ever considering new paint, interior, motor/drive system. It would be in the neighborhood of $4000-5000 for a new transom and stringers if you had someone do it and would probably be hard to find someone willing to do it. Nasty messy job from start to finish. A DIY can do it given enough time and money. I know from first hand experience it is very time consuming, frustrating, expensive but totally rewarding job if you like challenges.

Like you said, "5 boats in as many years". You may not want to spend big bucks in repairs and then expect to recoup that money down the road. I would only consider the above mentioned changes if you plan on keeping the boat for an extended period of time.

 

[mrsmucker]

Re: Upgrading Alpha 1 Gen 1 drive unit and motor...

Twenty years ago, me and another fellow had a 39' Stinger with dual big blocks. The alpha's that were on that boat were pretty much bullet proof and rated for 500 hp HAWK motors. What would they have been, and are they all pretty much direct bolt and play to conventional drives like I have on this Century... Alpha 1 Gen 1... just seems if there is a gen 1, there must have been a reason for a gen 2 and so on... as with most upgrades, there is some good and some bad. Just interested in what I should be keeping an eye out for...

The response to a statement like... "If I could have any outdrive hanging out the back of my boat, I would want it to be a ________ because they are strong and dependable."

Trust me there will be much deliberation on many issues before dropping a big dime on anything old boat related, but, so far, I really like this one.

It seems slippery in the water, no wake at a pretty good clip, economical engine... GM 305 basically, and the haul design is ageless and flexable.

It's not a Carver, but didn't want that this time, it's not a Fountain, but I really didn't want that this time either. Looking for a small efficient easy to tow and drop in any lake we come across, almost pontoon, but still speed boat.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[series60]

Re: Upgrading Alpha 1 Gen 1 drive unit and motor...

The response to a statement like... "If I could have any outdrive hanging out the back of my boat, I would want it to be a _________________ because they are strong and dependable."

Konrad Model 680 Stern Drive

 

[Bondo]

Re: Upgrading Alpha 1 Gen 1 drive unit and motor...

Twenty years ago, me and another fellow had a 39' Stinger with dual big blocks. The alpha's that were on that boat were pretty much bullet proof and rated for 500 hp HAWK motors. What would they have been, and are they all pretty much direct bolt and play to conventional drives like I have on this Century... Alpha 1 Gen 1... just seems if there is a gen 1, there must have been a reason for a gen 2 and so on... as with most upgrades, there is some good and some bad. Just interested in what I should be keeping an eye out for...

The response to a statement like... "If I could have any outdrive hanging out the back of my boat, I would want it to be a ________ because they are strong and dependable."

Trust me there will be much deliberation on many issues before dropping a big dime on anything old boat related, but, so far, I really like this one.

It seems slippery in the water, no wake at a pretty good clip, economical engine... GM 305 basically, and the haul design is ageless and flexable.

It's not a Carver, but didn't want that this time, it's not a Fountain, but I really didn't want that this time either. Looking for a small efficient easy to tow and drop in any lake we come across, almost pontoon, but still speed boat.

Thanks for your reply.

Ayuh,.... A Bravo III with any horsepower ya wanta drop in front of it....
Ragin' mouse motor, or respectable BBC....

A newer Volvo DP, with a Healthy SBC...


'n you can get parts for either of 'em, reasonably easy....

 

[Don S]

Re: Upgrading Alpha 1 Gen 1 drive unit and motor...

Let’s say I want to plan for the inevitable... an outdrive failure. What would be the best upgrade in a direct bolt up situation, or with minimum modifications?

The only thing for direct bolt up would be another Alpha I

Any change from that is going to be a MAJOR modificaion, not Minimum. new transom shield and all.

When you go that way, then double your 8-10K estimate.