Michigan outdrive repair location All American Outdrive service

reneechris14

6G a piece I'm rich

Dream_Inn

Handymans342 said:

B2s are better

I'd like to agree with you (because that is what I have), but I have two brand new B-2s on mine after two separate years of hearing that same bam-bam sound and then restarting and hearing the wrenches in a concrete mixer (really does sound like that).  & yep, was around 600 hours.  I will say though, I don't think I could wait 6 weeks for a repair drive in the best time of boating.  When mine went, I had a brand new one on within a week (even dealing with insurance on one of them).  To me, a couple more grand for all brand new was well worth it.

Wildboating

Willhound said:

Black_Diamond said:

You won't touch a B-3 rebulid for a few grand. 

Maybe I shouldn't have said rebuild but "refresh. I was quoted $1800 CDN to strip the drive and redo bearings, seals, bellows and shift cable. Assuming all gears and shafts were good.

To be clear, we are talking apples and oranges here.   Rebuilding a B-3 is internal to the outdrive itself.  The service you referenced above is rebuilding the components at the transom housing and gimbal ring.   One has nothing to do with the other.  Its just another part of a boat that cost several boat units when it needs repaired.

davidbrooks

@Wildboating Good Point.  As a guy that had to painfully do both this summer.  I learned a ton.  Was just as surprised as everyone else at a lot of the points, questions and debate going on with this thread.  Here are the top 10 items: 

1. Each drive is built to a specific ratio. Mine is 1:2.20.  This is different and you have to know yours.  Rinker maintains records and the numbers are recorded with your hull id.
2. Anything that touches water is considered a "consumable" item by insurance. Prepare to only get a fraction of the value.
3. 600 hrs is pretty much considered full life on B3's.  Plan on pulling it and having it rebuilt.
4. DO NOT skimp on the maintenance and make sure you replace the water intake hose, all seals and bellows on a regular basis.
5. My untrained eye didn't think it was that bad...two experts told me it was pretty much shot.
6. $5000 for a rebuild or reman or what every you want to call it is a **** good price especially if it comes with a 2 year warranty.
7. If someone has a rebuilt drive "in stock" you should ask why.  A lot of problem drives come off boats and don't get properly fixed.
8. A large chunk of the industry is filled with people just trying to make a buck and are not reputable.  Find the ones that are and stick with them.
9. I shipped a drive to MI had it repaired, returned and back on in 2 weeks in August.  This is faster than i would of thought i could even have it done locally.
10. Even Al sends work to George at All American and said he cant match the price.

i have a second drive i need to be rebuilt now.  If possible i would like to get it done this winter.  When i get the funds together it is going to be sent out to MI. Not even a second thought.  The difference in the boat now with well running engines and solid propulsion gives me a confidence and ease of mind that is well worth it.

Dream_Inn

davidbrooks said:

 The difference in the boat now with well running engines and solid propulsion gives me a confidence and ease of mind that is well worth it.

The best thing said on this entire topic.  Could not have said it better!  For those of us that go on long trips and use the heck out of our boats (which is probably most of us on here), this statement is dead on!