Mercruiser

MerCruiser is a leading producer of gasoline-powered sterndrives and inboards. The company has been in the industry for more than 40 years, and has a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. Their gas engines are still produced in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and are made to provide optimal performance for many types of boating applications. MerCruiser sells products both domestically and internationally, and the company backs each of its marine propulsion units with customer-friendly warranties and extensive technical support options.

The popular MerCruiser sterndrives are the Alpha and Bravo I, II and III models. The design of the Alpha series drive promotes convenient, worry-free performance. Featuring sturdy dog clutches, these drives incorporate a number of maintenance and damage-reduction technologies, such as Permalube U-Joints (which need little or no maintenance) and Flo-Torq II prop hubs (which provide comprehensive protection for entire drives). Bravo drives, on the other hand, use cone clutches (like many drives from Volvo Penta), and are suitable for boats needing extra power. Bravo X drives are also available in diesel configurations for high-performance boats. MC diesel engines (currently made by Cummins Diesel) offer a number of improvements over gas engines, including increased durability, better cost-efficiency a greater boating range.

MerCruiser inboards are popular for the same reasons that make Alpha and Bravo sterndrives so pervasive in this industry--they are easy to use and maintain. Offering a range of horsepower between 260 and 420, these versatile inboards are a first choice for many boat manufacturers who install them in a wide variety of boats. Many MC inboards come equipped with both Horizon and SmartCraft systems. Horizon reduces the need for many routine maintenance checks, and SmartCraft monitors and adjusts vital engine functions. MerCruiser inboards also offer "V drive" installation (also called an "Angle Drive"), where the engine is so far aft, that it actually resides over the propeller and rudder. Such configurations are a better use of space, although they require careful installation to preserve proper boat balance. The corrosion issues were originally a problem with the Bravo III. While not completely solved, MerCruiser has dramatically improved the situation by offering better zincs and additional mercathode protection.

Repair of MerCruiser Sterndrives and Inboards
Despite the presence of so many new systems for automated engine and drive monitoring, all drives will eventually require service. Sometimes it will be as simple as changing a filter and occasionally it will be as drastic as overhauling the entire engine. Whatever your needs, Marine Parts Express, carries not only MerCruiser engines and sterndrives, but also every part you need to make the necessary repairs to keep your boat running at its best. We provide both service and spare parts for MerCruiser products, as well as Quicksilver propellers (MerCruiser partner, maker of Thunderbolt and Black Diamond props). Our customer service representatives are available to help you to diagnose and fix your engine and drive problems, no matter how severe. For specific maintenance information, contact us at info@marinepartsexpress.com or (877) 621-2628.