powerqrudy

Ok, got this used Alpha 1 drive that I traded my Snowmobile for from our local used boat parts guy. He put new water pump and seals in it and new gear lube. THis outdrive looked used but that was fine with me. I use it like 4 hours a week.

MY ISSUE: when trying to dock after running it for a hour or 2 it is a hell of a job to pull out of Forward?? This happened about 3/4 through the year....

It makes it kinda dangerous. Any advice ? Please

1986 23 ft Powerplay 260 Alpha ??

Ryan00TJ

1st I would check the shift linkage for binding and adjust as necessary. Does it do it right off or only after 2 hrs running? F and R? Notchy? If the linkage is out of adjustment it should do it all the time not intermitent.

2nd Seperate the upper from the lower of the Alpha and manually shift the drive into F and R. This will allow you to see if the lower is shifting smoothly.

If you need any help or any questions feel free to ask.

spazboz

How fast does your motor idle, RPM? I've owned two 230 Conquests now, 86' and an 88'. Very nice boats, sold both of them to friends.

MOBILEMERCMAN

If its idling too high above 800ish or the cut off switch isn't working. Don't take the drive off the boat until you check these two things.

spazboz

Agreed.

powerqrudy

Yes Idle was low and I turned it up and that it when the issues started...That DAY actually ...

What kind of top end were you guys able to get out of yours??

I can get 48.5mph on a GPS ?

Thanks,

Steve

Mbam

Yep, cutout switch. See:
http://go-fast.com/mercruiser_alpha_shift_problems.htm

spazboz

Hey Steve. My 86 gave me 52 one day, normally high 40's. Pretty much the same out of the 88. The 88 did a little better with the Mag engine vs. the std. 260 in the 88. One thing I learned when I had my 86 to improve planing time, while the boat's bow is up, put the tabs in a little. It forces the bow down and improves your planing time a little bit. Here's some pics of the ol' girl.

powerqrudy

WOW, Same exact boat....

That maroon is a real pain to keep clean.. I hit it with 600 grit and used POLI GLOW looked good for a year have to re do it.

Was you floor in three pieces ?

Any other tips ??

I have had it for like 12 seasons?? but really use it like 1 day a week if that. It is great up on torch or Les Chenaux islands.. But LK ST Clair beats it to death.

spazboz

All I can say is, use a really good wax and keep it out of the sunlight as much as possible. Before buying a mooring cover, the hardest part to keep shiny was the black stripe on the top of the bow. Not sure what you mean in regards to the floor?
My 86 came from Lake St. Clair. Never been on the Lake, I bought my boat in February! Not the best time of year to go yachting!
Nick