I have to repair my Gimbal rings and pins,they have some side to side play.
should I go with J+R Marine or should I go with merc parts??
once I take the gimbals out how do I know if I need just the pins or gimbal rings or both.

J-R hands down. I have done both and his way is simple and looks nice when done. Ron was a good guy to work with.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=156512

Definatley looks better than the merc method. I hate those plastic plugs.

Don't do either one !!!!! Take your time or take it to a qualified person and do it from the inside and don't cut anything on the outside! I have done this on my enticer and several other boats.I did try the jr plate last year on a boat for a guy and it is SO SO. What model PQ do you have?

What do you think a qualified mechanic will charge to remove both engines along with transom entire assemblies?

I agree with speedreeder dont cut the shield its a good place for corrosion to start as well as a water leak. I havent done the j r thing but if it take 6 hours to do than the only other cost will be removing the engine and shield and it will give you time to clean up the bilge. depending on the labor rate your lookin at about 10 to 12 hours labor in and out.

speed just curious as to why the jr kit was so so? I have used them for the last 5 years and never had a problem. (fresh water)
Phil

I am saying that you can change them without pulling the motors!!! I have done it dozens of times, There is some boats that dont allow you to have access, But I know that a 29 powerquest can be done without pulling the motors!

Maybe the kit that I got had the instructions and the layout sheet photocopied too many times. The drill bit size is a little big for the bolts, And they should not be fine thread. I do agree that it is better than the plastic plugs.

Speedreeder
Thanks for taking the time to call and give me some tips on how to do the repair.