Hi, so a few months ago I got a quote from a shop about replacing a gimbal ring on my 1990 bravo 1. I’m looking for the best way to do this and the cheapest route. Should I replace it piece by piece like the shop wants or should I buy the assembly? I’m definitely not doing the work, don’t trust myself. So the quote on the gimbal ring (Gimbal ring, swivel pin, steering leaver, plug kit, swivel pin seal, boots, trim sender (if needed) and labor would be $3,685-$4,185 (labor could be $1,000-$1,500). I have found a gimbal ring for $1,146 after tax (not sure if I can bring in parts yet but this would save $350). Or a whole assembly for $2,916 after tax. Still searching the web for deals.

I was in a similar situation with my previous boat. I ended up just replacing the whole transom assembly. Granted I did the work myself but I'm glad I went the route I did. The seal on the old assembly was shot. I dont know what your setup is as far as access to the assembly from inside i.e. y-pipe in the way etc ,but I'd inquire what the labor would be to do the whole assembly if you supply the part.

Yes, I forgot to mention that as well, could save money on labor. I don’t know if the parts are correct but I found them on eBay. As mentioned above they said I needed about 6 parts/kits maybe 7 if the trim sender is needed. Here’s the parts I found on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25391220391...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/26516314425...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18611357218...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/40113429005...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/27218664250...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15112057382...mis&media=COPY

(couldn’t find a swivel pin seal, looked like it came with swivel pin) the grand total with tax would be $1,705 for these parts (and a u-bolt) . Not sure if they all fit though.

Vs the complete assembly which I’ve found for $2,916 new (still searching for a better price)

Will who ever is doing the labor install your part/parts that you give to them???
There isn't much price variance on a complete Merc transom assembly

I went through this. I bought all the parts. And had a mechanic do the work. If I were to do this again. I would buy a whole new assembly.

I doubt anyone is going to let you buy the parts and they install. If your paying for labor, I would go new. Will be the same or cheaper when all is done and you have all new. Just pay to install.

agree 100%,did the exact same thing last spring

https://hillmarine.com/products/four...44269540540719

We dont replace just the ring anymore. Replacing the whole transom assy is the way to go...PLUS you end up with new everything...even trim rams.

That’s what I’m checking on right now, I also don’t see a big variation in the transom assemblies. But right now I have 1 quote for their parts and labor at $3,250-$3,750. I think I can knock $750 off the parts if I purchase them myself and I’m currently looking for a new complete transom assembly to get a quote on granted this shop allows it.

I would buy a new assembly from SEI , friend bought a couple and they look good