New owner of used cobalt

[gr8s2u]

Hello Cobalt family,

So, I just purchased a 2000 Cobalt 190 with mercruiser 5.0 alpha one gen II drive and noticed the gear linkage bellows was leaking water into engine compartment. I took it a certified mercruiser mechanic who pointed out the drive bellows had also been leaking as the universal drive gear had corrosion. In addition the collar on the transom housing was rusted or pitted so would need replacing otherwise bellows might not hold and sink the boat. All to the tune of $6300. Considering I paid $10,000 for the boat, it’s now becoming a 16,000 investment!? Has anyone had this replacement on their boat and wondering if I should just cut my losses and sell as is….if that’s even possible?!?

Thanks you,
Ken

[Big Block Power]

My bellows just took out my ujoints and my gimbal bearing. Transom housing. Na. Pictures?
I was 2k into mine.
I don't think the bellows has anything to do with the transom housing.
Bruce will know more on that. He removes his drive all the time.

[AsLan7]

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Hey Ken. So glad you found us!

$6300 sounds excessive. Would you itemize exactly what they are going to do for that amount? Yes pics will also help.

Let's get you fixed. The season is almost over for some....And welcome aboard mate!

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[gr8s2u]

Thank you for your quick response!! I’ll have to get more information as I’m kinda green with this boat stuff! It is with the mechanic and he has taken it apart, but what questions should I be asking? What pictures would be helpful? He did say the part alone was $3500. Again, I really appreciate the direction!!!

[Lockey14s]

He must be pricing a new one. You can get a mint transom assembly for an alpha for way cheaper. that quote should be cut in half, at least

[AsLan7]

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Which part is $3500? Take a pic of the outdrive...where it meets the transom...and the engine side if you can where the the engine connects to the outdrive from the inside of the boat. Hopefully we can see the condition of this $10k boat and how bad the corrosion is. How many hours on her?

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[jhnmdahl]

Around here the cost difference between taking to to a new boat dealer with a certified mechanic in the city and a guy an hour outside the city who knows the same engines cold and doesn't mind remanufactured parts can easily be 2x or more. If it were a $6300 surgery you'd probably get a second opinion, and I'd be tempted to do the same with the boat.

John