Just got an estimate for replacing the port gimbal bearing of $4500 to $5500 clams. Ouch. It listed removing the hatch and pulling the port engine. Anyone have an idea of an easier way to do this? I thought it was all accessible from the stern by removing the outdrive.

No need to pull the motor to replace a gimbal bearing. Just the drive. Did they mistakenly quote you a gimbal ring replacement?

Yep. They quoted replacing the gimbal ring, bearing, upper shaft, steering lever and nuts.

Ouch!

I hate to say without seeing but that sounds ..... high!

We sell a complete new transom assembly for $2095, yes engine removal is required. Unless you have a really difficult engine to remove the whole job should not be more than 12-16 hours. And you wind up with all new stuff. What else is in the quote?

I'll probably shop for comparables before doing it, but the folks who gave me the quote have been good to us so far. Still, it is a big pill to swallow. I'm adding a tie bar to tighten things up a bit and delay having to spend the bucks!

$ 5500 is more like doing both engines and gimbal rings or least close to it..For the parts listed above it shouldn't be any higher than $ 3500 per side (IMO thats on high side of thinks and I do this for a living) unless some fiberglass cutting and reglassing needs to take place getting the engine out and back in.

I agree with Marc, 12 hours should be 1200.00 or so and the cost of the gimbal assy. But without seeing the boat I wouldn't quote a price. Remember marina's have to charge for each person working on the boat so if they use 4 guys removing the engine hatch that's probably 400 bucks right there.

Thanks all!

I'm going to limp it along for another year with a tie bar added on and will probably replace the ring next year. That'll give me time to save up!