Merc did have an Alpha SS drive years ago, not sure if you can still get them. I think the SS was a different style lower. I had a 32 Pachanga years ago with the 454/330hp and the Alphas, switched the one to be counter rotated as part of the deal, never had any trouble in the 6 years & 550 hours I owned it. Didn't beat the chit out of it but I ran it, did some poker runs and never a drive problem. The Pachanga would be a heavier boat than your Fountain. I wouldn't be all that worried, just keep them serviced and use quality lube. The drive showers are a smart choice, they do help.

If you use bravos,the plates fit in the same holes in the transom just need to drill two more bolt holes.And your stringer hight will be fine. But with small blocks and the fact that you have twins,both drives to share the load Fountain is not a heavy boat,you should be fine.Changing to bravos$$$$$. Im runnin a alpha with about 400 hp was good for a lot of hours.Broke it this year but was my fault.John

D. Mull you will be spanked by the Excalibur this summer and summers to come. Ha never will you beat me. And who's the jerk with the Cat? Haha!

I would wait until something breaks (which may not happen) rather than investing a lot of time and money on a perfectly good boat. Enjoy the season and address problems when necessary. If you find repeated problems, then change. You may find that you are happy with the present setup and speed.

thanks i think i may run the alphas untill they go and just replace my mototrs