1983 Cobalt 18DV

[andymoler58]

I took it out twice this summer and then the stern drive unit went out on me.

This company SEI sells remanufactured units with a 3 year warranty where I could save a couple k. A brand new one would be 5.5k.

The boat is worth about 6k so I'm not sure I want to put that much money into it.

Does anyone have any experience with SEI and their refurbished parts?

[Kate]

"Does anyone have any experience with SEI and their refurbished parts?"

Very, very spotty quality.

Is it the MerCruiser drive? If so, you can find a good, used drive for about $1k. Then have it tested and installed for about $500.

[andymoler58]

How do you find them , do you go on eBay

Any ideas would be appreciated

[jhnmdahl]

Lots of places remanufacture outdrives. One shop around here likes to use Jasper (https://www.jasperengines.com/products/ ... erndrives/).

A quick Google search turns up lots of other vendors too, such as https://outboardmarine.com/sterndrives/ ... erndrives/

I have no first hand experience with any of them, so if you're trying to save a few bucks by going that route it's prudent to do your research.

[Kate]

There are some on ebay. Check also local boat and car repair shops. (You'd be surprised what auto shops have laying around.) Ask them to put the word out on what you're looking for. Be sure to have the outdrive serial number. It's important. Have a pressure test done on the drive. If possible, get a 30 day warranty. Install a new impeller and fresh oil.