What is this thing on my Alpha One where a nut should be?

[void7910]

I was expecting six nuts to remove the drive and just found this on my new-to-me boat. Any idea what it is and how to remove it? 2019 or 2020 Merc Alpha One Gen 2 for reference.

 

[kenny nunez]

That is to keep midnight stern drive thieves from increasing their inventory.
The p.o. Probably still has the tool to remove it.

 

[Fun Times]

McGard Mercruiser Stern Drive Lock,​

Stern Drive Locks – McGard

mcgard.com

 

[1960 Starflite]

I'm guessing Anti-Theft. But my drive is MC-1

 

[void7910]

Well poop. I had no idea something like this existed. Any way to get them off without the key?

 

[Bt Doctur]

die grinder with a cutoff wheel to split the cover part and remove the rest with vise grips.But first check inside the boat for the round key, wired to a spot in the engine compartment

 

[04fxdwgi25]

Some have been lucky and had a socket to use. They find a socket the won't quite go, then beat it on with a hammer, destroying the lock and the socket at the same time.

Getting wheel locks off without a key is same method. Did it all the time working in wrecker yard.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Well poop. I had no idea something like this existed. Any way to get them off without the key?

weld a nut to it

 

[void7910]

Thank you all for the ideas. Checked the engine compartment and everywhere else on the boat for the key or registration card and no dice. Currently trying to get ahold of the previous owner, then turning to dealership and McGard themselves before attempting destructive means of removing it.

 

[void7910]

Some have been lucky and had a socket to use. They find a socket the won't quite go, then beat it on with a hammer, destroying the lock and the socket at the same time.

Getting wheel locks off without a key is same method. Did it all the time working in wrecker yard.

Question on this; does the socket go inside the wheel lock or over the outside of the wheel lock?

 

[stresspoint]

iv removed lock nuts from car wheels with a air chisel and pointy bit.
Op don't be stressed about destroying the lock nut a new OEM nut and washer is about $3.

 

[04fxdwgi25]

Question on this; does the socket go inside the wheel lock or over the outside of the wheel lock?

Over the outside on the car locking lugnut. That one you have, maybe a very large torx bit would work on the inside diameter, but unsure if that outside part just spins when lock nut breaks loose.

 

[nola mike]

Keep in mind that you don't want to wreck the stud inside there. Not sure how much effort it is to replace, but it won't make your life easier.

 

[stresspoint]

Keep in mind that you don't want to wreck the stud inside there. Not sure how much effort it is to replace, but it won't make your life easier.

stud is easily removed with a roller stud socket ,please don't ask how i know this .

 

[void7910]

Update for anyone in a similar situation. Called McGard and you can get them to send you new keys by sending them a picture of the pattern inside the lock that the key connects to/matches. Replacement keys were inexpensive ($14/ea) and shipping is reasonably quick (3-7 days to Canada). Now I have a sterndrive lock and don’t have to worry about messing up the drive trying to get the lock off.

Thanks for everyone’s help!

 

[void7910]

Yet another update. This is not for illegal purposes and I intend to only share this information to help those who cannot get their own drive off.

I received the wrong keys from McGard but have found that if you grind off all the "teeth" inside of the key except for one you create a sort of master key, where that one remaining tooth engages in any notch on the lock. Worked like a charm and was able to remove my lock.

 

[Scott06]

Yet another update. This is not for illegal purposes and I intend to only share this information to help those who cannot get their own drive off.

I received the wrong keys from McGard but have found that if you grind off all the "teeth" inside of the key except for one you create a sort of master key, where that one remaining tooth engages in any notch on the lock. Worked like a charm and was able to remove my lock.

Surprised they are that easy to make a universal key for... I guess they leave that out of the sales brochure

 

[Scott Danforth]

A pair of vice grips works too

 

[void7910]

A pair of vice grips works too

The outside of the lock spins freely so you can’t use grips or ram a socket over it. You have to turn the centre piece. As far as I can tell you’d have to cut off the outside piece to use grips or ram a socket over whats left.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Clamp the one vicegrip between the center of the lock and outside sleeve, crushing the sleeve against the lock.

Use the other vicegrip to turn the first vicegrips.

Takes a few re-positions.

Helps to have about 20 different vicegrips.

Welding a nut is just easier