268DA and Weekenders

Hello,
New 268 DA member to the forum.
1988 DA with 1 motor 454, 330 HP
Need some good advise, as I just blew my lower end of my Alpha1 Gen1 out drive.
I'm looking to replace just the lower end. OEM is very expensive, and SEI has mixed results.
I believe the ratio is 32/1 ??
Any advise or updates are appreciated.
 
If you have it insured they will take care of it. Did you hit something like I did on my 87? I got more for the repairs than I paid for the boat so I kept the check and sold the boat also on mine I snaped the coupler off the fly wheel that cost would of been 1k because the engine needs to be pulled.
 
Thanks for the reply.
Not sure what I hit, but cracked the lower bearing case, and weeping water at propeller bearings.
Still runs and shifts fine...but I would like to replace the lower unit.
Any experience SEI vs Mercruiser ??
 
You may Not have hit anything, the 454's are known for blowing the alpha drives apart... Look into getting yourself a Bravo drive.
 
I would turn it into your Insurance if you have it generaly under water damage won't put a mark on your policy, If you want I would Go with the SEI if you want new but they don't have the 32:1 raito, Merc is really expensive unless you can find a good used one. Check if there are any Boat Salvage yards around you or check craigs list.
 
Getaway said:
Twins are a wonderful thing! Exactly what that boat needs.

I can get 36mph with my old 15 x 17 prop, but she falls off plane at 24mph which is not good in heavy Lake Michigan/Lake Huron seas.

The BB is easy to work on due to an abundance of space in the engine room, however, twin 4.3's would be the cats butt for speed and handling.
Click to expand...

You should be getting better performance. With 6 people (3 kids), a lot of water, and over a half tank of gas I got 39.5 mph this weekend in Tawas.
I run a Mirage plus 15.5 x 15, it holds plane great at 22 mph and is a good prop for mileage.

Never been a big fan of Michigan Wheel except for as a spare aluminum.
 
rexcramer,

Do have the original Alpha drive?

What kind of r's are you turning at 39mph?

Thanks for the info!
 
I have the original Alpha, 1:32 ratio. The bottom is painted but clean. I had a full load of clothes and beer, I mean drinks for the kids,also. I was able to turn 4300 rpms. If you run that heavy all the time You could even try the 13" pitch and get closer to 4600. You need the Flo-Torq hub with this prop. It is Merc's prop for heavy boats and cruising
 
Does anyone have a Lofrans Scorpion windlass on their 268, and if so, what size chain rode are you using, right now I do not have any chain at all, would like to get some but I cannot determine the size I should use.:huh:
 
jcoyrochny said:
Does anyone have a Lofrans Scorpion windlass on their 268, and if so, what size chain rode are you using, right now I do not have any chain at all, would like to get some but I cannot determine the size I should use.:huh:
Click to expand...

I don't believe this was the stock windlass, mine is stock, and is a Benson 1/2" rode with no chain. I want to get new Lewmar V series.
 
Need help with finding a part for the rear transom seat.

On my "88 268, the rear transom seat, the bottom seat part that slides back and forth. The metal spring clips that lock into place are rusted, and one broke off.. I'm not even sure what they are called by name so I search them out.
Does anyone know what I'm talking about, and where I might find replacements?

Thanks, Bob
 
I know exactly the part you are talking about. Unless you can find one from a junk boat, you are probably SOL. Those things don't work very well anyways so if I were you, I might try a hardware store for a different track mechanism/design.
 
Hello to you all!

New here, We have a newly purchased 1987 268 Weekender 454 Mag (400 hrs on rebuild) Alpha I with new lower unit. Bought it from my father-in-law and know it's history. The boat is in excellent shape! Just getting into replacing those items that time kills like plastics and rubber items, bellows leaked on our maiden voyage. Stuff like that. I understand the 454 mag/Alpha I issues and he (F-I-L) as well as us are easy on the out drive. The boat gets up on a plane nice and was at over 40mph WOT. My wife is very good with a sewing machine and has been working on recovering the foam in the cabin and it looks brand new! We are excited about hauling it from NH to Fort Myers Fla next May for a couple of weeks on the ocean and maybe the next year hauling back down to Ft. Lauderdale and out to the Bahamas for a couple of weeks. We got an Achilles as a dink that came with it. Anyway that is our story and we are looking forward to hearing and learning from you other 268 classic owners. Been lurking here and glad we've shoved off and are out there.

Thanks,
Mark
 
Looks just like yours only blue JUST ME. I'll see what I can dig up. Rained here in NH last night. Got a big project of replacing the Sclegal in the windows. I really don't look forward to that.
 
BlewByYou88 said:
Getaway, did you ever make your TAB modification?
Click to expand...

Yes sir! Added 6" stainless extensions to my trim tabs. I notice a big difference, but should have went bigger.
 
Pics, and your thoughts on the performance details would be much appreciated. :thumbsup:
 
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