Big Duck Sheds Her 273 Chrysler

My Land N Sea was outfitted with a 273 Chrysler Super Bee when she was made back in '72. This work order shows she was upgraded to a Volvo Penta 260A in '09.

This 260A is a 260HP marinized 350 Chevy - parts can be had at any auto parts store.

The outdrive was an Aquamatic 250. I was apprehensive because the Aquamatic is no longer supported by the factory and they aren't serviced by the newer VP shops. But my fears were quelled when I found that parts are still available on Ebay and folks that do work on these outdrives love them. My drive was resealed and pronounced in very good condition despite it's conglomeration of 250 and 270 parts. Then as I  kept an eye out on eBay I eventually bought a complete running 'spare' 250 outdrive for $80 + $80 shipping, but so far have no reason to consider putting it on my boat.

I used to think an I/O was nothing but a headache compared to an outboard but I have since changed my tune due to the simplicity and low tech of this little humming 350. The ubiquitous Chevy parts and my ability to understanding how it works and fix it if it doesn't is quite a comfort.