I/O mechanic suggestions?

General Boats and Motors
1

I am very close to buying a 99 Albemarle 247 out of state. I have never owned an I/O boat before and would like to know who you all would suggest for service and advice. The Albe has a 2012 Crusader 5.7 and a 2014 Volvo Penta duo prop connected with the stock jack shaft.

2

Cant remember the years it was produced but if it has the composite outdrive dont buy it unless you factor in a complete outdrive replacement… absolutely love my Albemarle!

-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
“Everybody dances when shotgun sings” Stewart and Winfield

3

thanks for the reply and the heads up about the composite drive.

I had heard of those problems and I have verified that this is NOT a composite drive. My only real concern with the setup is finding someone within 250 miles or less to trust with her care. Everyone says that the motors are a simple design and less expensive to maintain, but in the same breath, I hear "some times parts are hard to find for the V/P and expertise is limited as compared to the mercruiser I/O.

I am hoping to find a trusted technical resource before I pull her south.

Previous boat had Honda outboard and I hauled her from the upstate on a semi annual basis to Tom Hughes Marine down in Columbia because I trusted his knowledge and opinion on the motor.

Hope to find the same for the I/O setup

4

Just notices your sig line IslandBoy

Please tell me about your 248. year? motor? out drive?

Any noise or trouble in jack shaft?

Who works on your out drive and motor?

5

The crusader engines are small block GM motors if I am not mistaken. I may be wrong. If the boat has been in salt water, for sure pay attention to the raw water pump, manifolds and risers. Finding a mechanic for the engine shouldn’t be hard, but as for V/P, superior diesel in N.Chas are the only ones I know that sell and service them.

6

If it’s anything like the older VP duo-props I’ve had experience with, you better put a mechanic on retainer :face_with_head_bandage: I wouldn’t own one. Albemarles are great boats and the Crusader is a great engine, but that drive system is a nightmare to work on.

Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper

7

thanks for the warning Cracker. The V/P is a 2014 DPS duo prop.

I am banking (literally) on it being a quality product. If not, I will become good friends with the guys at Superior Diesel in N.Chas as recommended above

8

thanks CaptBryan for the input. The crusader is a chevy 350 vortex block. Current owner states that he changed manifolds and risers in 2015 and replaced with mercrusier brand because they had the best reputation at the time. He also has installed the perko flushing system when replaced.
Boat is currently in the water but will become a trailer boat when she returns to the south.

9
quote:
Originally posted by Cbyte

Just notices your sig line IslandBoy

Please tell me about your 248. year? motor? out drive?

Any noise or trouble in jack shaft?

Who works on your out drive and motor?

Shoot me a text 843five14298six Chris. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have

-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
“Everybody dances when shotgun sings” Stewart and Winfield

10

Thx Island Boy, I will text some questions on Tuesday