thoughts and opinions please
 

ive got a 4700 lb v bottom with a 500 efi with ALOT of play in the upper verticle pin and was going to purchase a complete HP assembly...whats your opinion on that VS this http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o37483-en.html

HP Transom assy
 

Bruce Seroff has two new HP assemblies in the box for sale in the Swap Shop.

yes i spoke with Bruce...thanks

Hmmm........I've never seen a gimble ring like that one before. Do you know of anyone who has ran one?? Wonder if they have ever done any testing wirh strength on those.

Berns.. Are you talking about steering pivot pin?
First link no workie, but if it's the steering "pin" on top of the gimble. Merc has a bulletin to repair. Common porblem.

yes they drill 2 holes in the side/top of the transom assembly and install dowel like pins...this one is beyond a half assed repair anyway but thanks !

Ron Bender at JR marine sells a rebuilt gimbal ring for $250-300(i think), you can buy a SS upper pin for a couple hundred also, I used Ron's ring and it looked like new

Bernie,
Yesterday, I removed a 2 year old Merc HP gimble ring from my boat. I'm going with SCX drives. I have the top pin and side pins. The top is just the standard merc. Ron's is nice. I am going to list it in swap shop for 350. Bruce's new transoms would be a good option. I'd say look at what all your gonna need to do. Probably new bellows, how does the helmet and the transom look, corrosion?

If we talking about the same thing, there is actually a nother "replacement" buletin. Replacing the whole nut and pin, with out removing the gimble and/or transoom plates. Repaired from the exterior. However, since I had similar problem on one of my older boat, efter some discussions with Merc. and misc. gurus, the best bet is to get external/hydraulic steering. Then those "pins" don't even need to be there.

i have a video on my phone if i could figure out how to post it i would

when i lift the drive top to bottom, there is a TON of play in the upper pin

hope this works !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLttiom54xs

WOW. That looks pretty bed. Looks like you might have some interior problems too. The "inner" pin/bolt should not move that much. The lower hex nut normaly goes bad and corrodes, but it looks like the whole thing is loose. I do agree with the replacement.

I would say for sure upper bushing is gone and that the housing all wallowed out. 2nd on the new complete transom!

When I took the Tres course he went over my Cig and that was one thing he did was lift on the drives. Mine were not NEAR that bad and he said replace NOW>

That is not play that is lucky to be allive!!!