Lower unit question I need help Ivan

This topic has 6 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 17 years ago by Bass Cat Boats.

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May 26, 2009 at 3:56 am #262516

tom zeidas
Participant

I have a 1998 Jag with 2003 Mercury 250 xs Optimax motor with sportsmaster lower unit. I worked with Ivan at AZ boatshow and he told me that lower unit will give me problems. It went out and i had it rebuilt and went out agian. My question is should I just bite the bullet and get new sportsmaster lower unit ? I have boat mechanics tell me that motor has too much horsepower for standard lower unit. Thanks Tom Zeidas

May 26, 2009 at 4:03 am #262517

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It should not go out on the operation. The issue is more in the hole shot area. We assume this to be 1.63 gear ratio and that means you have to deprop it for a hole shot. The gearcase is the same fundamental guts as a SportMaster, so the guts should hold up fine unless your surfacing it and running it high. The gearcase in question your looking for is the TorqueMaster style. Though you could run the standard gear case if you wanted. We are suspect on the rebuild not being durable? Was it done by a good mechanic at a Mercury dealership? Since you have a new rebuilt case, you could swap it with someone over on the Scream and Fly web site. The gearheads hang out there and there usually is someone over there looking for a Sportmaster. Though again we dont think the case is the issue. BCB

May 26, 2009 at 4:26 am #262518

tom zeidas
Participant

Yes, the rebuild was done by Mercury mechanics they said a tooth came off a lower splindle part that was not replaced in rebuid process. when this part went out it took rest of lower units new shaft and broke it. I am still in limbo on what the owner of the shop will do for me. I want to know my options and i trust any information Bass Cat wil tell me, part of the family, that means alot to me. Thanks Tom Zeidas

May 26, 2009 at 12:08 pm #262519

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Tom, The SportMaster is designed for light weight go fast hulls due in part to the gear ration.. 1.62:1 The TorqueMaster has same basic internal parts other than at a 1.75:1 gear ratio. The 1.75:1 ratio will lower stress load on the gear case components under the heavy load and increase torque. Assuming you need a new gear case you really need to go with a TorqueMaster…my .02 worth..Sherm

May 26, 2009 at 2:24 pm #262520

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

They make all ranges of gear ratio in Sportmaster gearcases. So, we assume you are 1.62 as pointed out, though some are 1.75 also. BCB

May 26, 2009 at 4:30 pm #262521

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The only way they should of used used parts is with your express permission. Best practice for professional marine mechanics dictates all new for this very reason. What is a lower spindle part? The propeller shaft? Pinion gear? Your first rebuild should of had all new gears, bearings, seals, waterpump, etc. The drive shaft and propeller shaft are reused if they pass inspection for straightness, heat discoloration, spline wear, and maybe magnafluxing (looking for stress cracks).

May 26, 2009 at 4:42 pm #262522

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It is possible that this was a save outlay and attempt to conserve, with or without permission. Thus it is possible no one is really at fault. Though you are correct on magnafluxing the parts.
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