On Thu, 21 May 09, PhantMan wrote:
I've been shopping for a replacement lower unit and was expecting to
pay around $2000 for a new one or $1200-$1500 for used or
remanufactured (for a 200hp Mariner). And that's what I've been
finding.
BUT......
I'm also running across ads and distributors selling brand new lower
units for $700 - $800 bucks. They're not made by the original engine
manufacturer but instead by an independent. The ones I've seen most
are manufactured by someone in Florida and come with a 3 year
warranty.
Needless to say, I'm a little skeptical due to the price difference
and the fact that this is something new to me. I didn't realize anyone
but the original manufacturer would make this type part.
Has anyone here bought one of these lower units? Or know anyone who
has? Or have an idea whether or not they're worth risking the money?

On Thu, 21 May 09, gfretwell wrote
New manufacture or "remanufactured". I find it hard to believe someone
could tool up to make a lower end from scratch cheaper than the OEM
but if they are rebuilding the castings using new bearings and seals
(shafts and gears as required) it might be a reasonable deal.

On Thu, 21 May 09, PhantMan wrote:
I was thinking the same thing but I keep finding ads claiming the
"remanufactured" units are rebuilt so are thus dependent on old parts.
And these units are "new".

Here's a snippet from the home page of SEI Sterndrives:

-Quote-
The company makes replacement sterndrives for MerCruiser's® Alpha One®
and Gen II stern drives and replacement outboard lower units for
Mercury®, Johnson/Evinrude® and Yamaha®. Sterndrive Engineering's
Outdrives are not remanufactured, they are entirely new. The SEI
drives are made of parts that are completely compatible and
interchangeable with the OEM. The drives are assembled at SEI's
factory in Oldsmar, Florida.
_Unquote-

Here's the link:
http://www.sterndrive.cc/

Doesn't sound ambiguous to me. Just hard to believe.
But if they're new, and of good quality, I can use one at that price
right about now. So that's why I was hoping to find someone who has
already rolled the dice and willing to give me the benefit of their
experience. I don't even know where Oldsmar is! That's not in your
neighborhood, huh?

On Thu, 21 May 09, gfretwell wrote:
I am surprised but not shocked. .
I guess this particular merc foot is so commonly used that it is a
commodity. There may just be a "leak" in the chinese factory that
makes the castings ;-)

LoL!
Well, if you hear anything from an independent source, good or bad,
lemme know. I need a lower unit and I'd prefer a new one if the
quality is there.

Cheers,
Rick