Mercruiser 888 Outdrive - The Hull Truth

CMP · 03-04-2003, 08:10 AM

Curious if any of you have any comments good or bad on the Mercruiser 888 outdrive. I can use either a Volvo 280/290 or the 888 in the application I have. I have access to both and would like some input from people who know I/O's which would be the best choice in a Bertram 20 CC with a 302. Thanks...

CMP

Sandiego · 03-04-2003, 08:37 AM

But my 888 has been trouble free in a 21 ft Ray since I have owned it. Merc parts should be cheaper and/or easier to find.

tidester · 03-04-2003, 10:11 AM

I've got a 28 year old 888 pushing my 23' cruiser / flybridge boat. Except for a recent issue with an intermediate shaft bushing seal that caused a slave shift cable problem, I have basically had no problems with mine. Parts and accessories are cheap (my prop was $125 new from Propco; to replace the shift cable, bushing, seal, and water pump was $150).

Parts are still fairly common for these older Mercruisers, and reasonably priced.

I do not know about the Volvo 280/290 models. Do they use a clutch? Is the water pickup pump engine mounted or in the foot? I really don't know anybody who owns a Volvo, so I can't really speak about them.

CMP · 03-04-2003, 01:29 PM

What engines do you have bolted up to these 888's? Also, off the wall question here-do wither of you have a ballpark weight on the complete drive? Thanks again...

CMP

brisboats · 03-04-2003, 06:21 PM

The complete outdrive uppergearcase and lower unit sans prop and not including the transom assembly weighs about 140-150 lbs. Sold a few last year and that was the shipping weight.

Brian

CMP · 03-05-2003, 09:02 AM

Thanks on the weight. Would I be better off with a 290 or the 188 assuming similar price? I'm leaning towards the Volvo...

CMP

Boatman Buzz · 03-05-2003, 05:43 PM

CMP-I had a 888 mercruiser on a 74 Century and it was ok but I didn't like it because when shifting from neutral to forwards or reverse, the gears sounded like it was coming apart (like that since new). The Volvo 280 shifted like an automatic trans (no clunk or ratcheting gear noise). The 888 is a better looking lower unit but the 280 is bullet proof. The 888 did have a power trim where as the 280 was just for tilt and not actually for trimming while under way. The 280 uses a pulley driven sea pump on the engine as well as a recirculating water pump (at least on my 350 Chevy). I also liked the fact that the 280 lower unit had a dipstick to check the lower unit oil and if you took out a big allen plug you could fill the lower unit from the top. The 280 will rotate either direction (props) by simply changing a rod under the lower unit inspection cover. The 280 was on a 75 Chris Craft.

CMP · 03-06-2003, 06:43 AM

Buzz, your info and similar stories from others made my decision for me-I'm going with the 290. Should look nice when it is refinished and plopped into my Baby Bert...

CMP