I have a 2001 sunsation with a bravo 1 outdrive (91-99) the outdrive is loose It moves side to side very sloppy, do i need to replace the outdrive gimbal bolt (about a $500 kit) or is there another way to tighten up the outdrive

this question has been moved to technical

By loose do you mean it has free play when you shake it left to right?

Or up/down?

or diagonal?

It moves side to ssomeone told me it needs a new gimbal

Or Both?

Call Me I May Be Able To Help You With The Problem. I Need Mor Questions Anwsered Ron Bender 216-390-1330

I had somewhat the same problem on my 2002 288 Intimidator. The factory rep from Merc looked at my boat and told me that they (Merc) had told all manufactures that the 496 Mag HO needs external steering. I called Sunsation on 03-17-05 and Dave called me back and said he would look into it and get back to me. However, the Merc rep is going to provide the replacement part (Gimbel Ring) at no cost to me, this time. He said if I don't get external steering ( $2000) it will happen again. If you need more onfo regarding the Merc rep let me know. When Sunsation gets back to me I'll post their response.

I've had this same problem.

On the top center of the outside gimbal assembly, there is a single pin for left/right stearing of the outdrive , I believe it is triangular in shape, hard to see, but can be seen. Again, from the outside of the boat, there are two bolts that can be tightened to secure the seating of the triagular pin. I don't have the torque specs for a 2001, maybe someone else can help out here. I'd make sure these bolts are checked first to assure proper assembly and torque. Once this area becomes loose, it wears pretty quickly and requires replacement. I was able to tighten them a little more than the spec torque rating and it took the slop right out. If you find the triangular pin and move the drive left/right, you'll see the slop area.

If you determine you have to replace the parts, please post your experience in perfoming the task. Good Luck!