1965 Alpex Sea-Aira

1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103622

65alpex
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Hello, I'm new to this forum and I have some questions about a boat I recently acquired. It is a 1965 Alpex Sea Aira with the Mercruiser Renault model 60 power package and Mercruiser sterndrive. It was owned by my grandfather since the late 1980s but has been sitting in the barn since 2000 when he died. I know for a fact that he stored and winterized it properly because he was always meticulous with his machines. It hasn't been run for 15 years so I'm wondering what I should do to the outdrive before it is taken out on the water. Also what should I look for hull wise as far as structural integrity. Should I be worried about shallow cracks in the gelcoat on the outside of the hull? Thanks in advance.

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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103626

MarkS
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Welcome aboard 65Alpex, please share some pics of your "new" rig with us when you get a chance. Can't help you much with the outdrive question, other than probably drain a refill with fresh gear lube is generally a good idea. Any water present (will come out as milky looking goo) or metal shavings, etc. would indicate further attention needed.

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Mark

Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103629

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Thanks for the reply, I will try to post some pics. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103630

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Well apparently the pics of it on my tablet are too big. Maybe another time. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103632

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Another question: what model Mercruiser outdrive would have been used on a 1965 boat? Is it reliable? Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103633

satx78247 Offline Contributing Member Posts: 2688 Karma: 66 Thank you received: 3	65alplex, WELCOME ABOARD. yours, satx Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103634

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Glad to be aboard! Looking forward to gaining valuable knowledge from this forum. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103635

satx78247 Offline Contributing Member Posts: 2688 Karma: 66 Thank you received: 3	65alplex, ImVho, this forum is BLESSED with many TRUE EXPERTS on antique/classic boats, motors, accessories & FIUNDING things that members need. = Seldom do I "log on" without learning something of value. (I'm NOT an expert on anything.) yours, satx Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103659

thompsonboat
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Welcome aboard!

Definatley change the water pump impellor and maybe the water pump itself. Lower unit seals should also be changed.

There is a Mercury forum that can most likely get you information on your MerCruiser unit via serial number and model number: "Johns Old Mercury Site" or something like that

Andreas

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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103661

Chuck in Cincinnati Offline Gold Boarder Posts: 974 Karma: 46 Thank you received: 47	Hi there, I've been resizing my pictures on webresizer.com Just pick the "resize photos here" button. Then in the grey area above the giraffe browse to your photo, then hit upload, and place it where you want it. Then you can post that pic to this site. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103662

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	. Attachments: Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103663

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Here are a few pics. Not the greatest but all I've got at the moment. Attachments: Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103664

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	. Attachments: Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103665

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	. Attachments: Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103666

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	The 'ole Renault still in hibernation. Attachments: Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103667

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Thanks for suggesting webresizer. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103692

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65alpex wrote:

Another question: what model Mercruiser outdrive would have been used on a 1965 boat? Is it reliable?

That is a model 0 drive. Only used with the Renault 60/80/90 from 1965 to 1972. Parts are rare!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why is it s model 0? Because the original drives were #1 drives, followed by the larger #2 & even larger #3 drives. So something smaller became a zero.

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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103695

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Are basic parts like water pumps able to be interchanged from an alpha unit? Or can the whole outdrive be swapped out to an alpha? Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103712

jimandros Offline Gold Boarder Posts: 686 Karma: 76 Thank you received: 41	No and no. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103714

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Any aftermarket options? I have been told i will probably need to replace the pump or impeller right off the bat. That is the only part I am trying to locate a source for at this time because I dont know much about the running condition yet. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103721

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I wouldn't worry too much, replace the gear oil and engine oil, fog the cylinders, turn on the water and fire it up, most machines were made to take a beating. you could spend a lot of time and money replacing outdrive stuff and then have the engine break. Just change her fluids, drive her with respect and fix things as they become problems, like milky oil or rough running etc. These were made to run in Wisconsin and live through freezing weather, they built them tough.
Just my 2cents and welcome aboard.

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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103722

firstfibre Offline Expert Boarder Posts: 321 Karma: 4 Thank you received: 0	and yes a water pump kit since that impeller will be frozen and hard. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103723

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Thanks for the reply. Any idea as to where I could find a kit that would fit? I can't find one for the life of me. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103724

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Get the serial off the outdrive and do a search, you will find a site like this www.sterndrive.info/sterndriveparts/lower_gearcase.html with exploded drawings, then trace the number to the part, it will tell you if it's still made, if not you will have the PN and go to ebay and search it or google, the exploded drawings give you a good idea whats inside

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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103725

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Thanks for the info. This forum has been very helpful! Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103727

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65alpex wrote:

Thanks for the reply. Any idea as to where I could find a kit that would fit? I can't find one for the life of me.

Water pump impeller part number is 47-20268. I don't think that will be a problem but the dealer may need to order it. And it may be superseded, so you may get a different part numrber.

Remember, parts are basically NLA, so be sure to check the water pump, fluids (engine & gear oil to be sure they aren't making water or metal) frequently).

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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 1 week ago #103728

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Thanks. I actually just found two different "alternate part numbers" on a website and both are in stock. Are there any other parts that need to be replaced along with the impeller other than gaskets (obviously). Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 6 days ago #103816

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65alpex wrote:

Well apparently the pics of it on my tablet are too big. Maybe another time.

I'm not sure which tablet you are using, but there is a free app for iPad called SImple Resize. I use it all the time as I always take pictures in hi resolution.

Welcome aboard and look forward to seeing the pics.

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Todd (aka thetudor)
1964 Custom Craft Aqua Ray
1959 Glastron Seaflite
1959 Tomahawk Spirit

Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 6 days ago #103817

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	The only pictures I have right now are the ones I posted but I will take some better ones once I get it out of the barn and hosed off (15 years of pigeon crap). Unfortunately that won't be for a while because I live about four hours away from where the boat is still located. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 5 days ago #103866

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Dittos.
Just run is as is likely it will out last you. I would only consider changing to an Alpha type drive if the motor took a dump in the oil pan, Then you could salvage a later GM 4 banger and I/O out of many later boats and swap the whole thing. Not a trivial project by far but doable over a winter by a guy that is handy with tools glass and resin.

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Boats: 76 Chrysler Conqueror S3, 61 Larson Playmate. Outboards: 76 Chrysler 105, 70 Chrysler 70, 57 Evinrude Bigtwin 35, 80 Johnson 35 looper, 74 Chrysler 45, 67 Mercury 650SS, and others.

Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 5 days ago #103871

firstfibre
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Life is filled with dreams uncompleted, the 1/2 done sailboat in the yard when Grandpa dies, their dream to sail the world, don't worry about what could happen cause even new boats break down, just add a little kicker motor, if the boat breaks no worries, fix it then and feed the passion, everyone needs some fulfillment for their effort or they effort will wane, we don't choose to work for no paycheck.

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Re:1965 Alpex Sea-Aira 11 years 4 days ago #103887

65alpex Topic Author Offline Fresh Boarder Posts: 18 Karma: 1 Thank you received: 0	Words of wisdom brother. The main reason I want to get the boat up and running is to honor my grandpa (and who could pass up a free fiberglass classic survivor) Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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TOPIC: 1965 Alpex Sea-Aira