lololol don't tell anyone!

Drives done, new A/C done, new stereo head unit done..

AC install looks nice. How did you end up mounting it?

Comes with clamps and mounts to floor in V berth, nice setup.

How long will it stay mounted?

Never mind, you don't go much out of your 5 mile radius so I guess you don't have much to worry about.....😀

I'm not sure what was changed between the 3 and 3A, but I was under the impression that the old 3's with 1.68 ratio had very little tooth contact at any given time, in the upper set. As in only one tooth in constant mesh.
I don't know this as a fact, just what I have been told.

lots of talk from the one engine wonder idle back king 😂😂

not sure, but I'm not too concerned since the rating on a 3A is up there, hell it took 900 hours and 33 years to hurt a SSMIII!!

n updated version of the Mercury Racing III SSM drive, the III-A SSM drive features larger vertical bearings in the upper housing. The larger bearings provide increased rigidity for the driven gear, resulting in increased bearing capacity and longer life. Larger driveshaft splines provide greater strength, while larger pinion bearings hold lower bevel gears more rigidly, resulting in increased bearing life. A larger propeller shaft increases drive strength and is rear loading for improved shaft contact with the propeller. An extended “nose” on the gearcase improves water flow and boat handling.

Features & Benefits


Large driveshaft splines provide greater torsional strength.

Large vertical bearing in the upper housing provide increased rigidity for the driven gear and longer life.

Large pinion bearings hold lower level gears more rigidly resulting in increased bearing life.

Large propeller shaft is rear loading for improved shaft contact with the propeller.

Input ratings are 750 HP and up to 750 foot pounds of torque.

Extended nose on the gearcase improves water flow and boat handling.

I never had a problem with the 3A's and I had over 900HP. Plus the 26 Spline shaft opens up the book to better prop selection, more blades and dialing in versus hard to find 19 spline and or adaptors.

Yes, it makes the lake way bigger, takes longer to get everywhere which equals more quality boating time!