aftermarket outdrives

[ldmalpha1]

Does anyone have experience with aftermarket outdrives or parts? I need to replace the lower unit on my Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 1. Several companies are offering new replacement units at far lower cost than rebuilt Mercruiser (about the same cost as used Merc), and several aftermarket makes have been around for some years. Can't seem to find any reviews or experience with these...

[glassman]

the yard I have my shop in has used them before , shafts to long, props dont fit and when they need pumps the bases are drill off in the casting , I my self got beat case I seen the ad and hey saved 600. , I sent it back and they would send me new,after the fourth bingo,used my prop and washer put the boat in rev, then fwd, then junk, blew fwd gear , they said I used wrong washer toldthem no I didnt it was the same one off my old drive lets just say new merc works first shot so all I can say is watch out.