$20 apiece lower case bolts?

[metroman]

Hello,
Why do the 6 bolts that secure the upper case to the lower case cost $20 per bolt? Has anyone a less expensive substitute that worked for them? When I disassembled mine it was missing 2 on the port engine. Also missing was the longer bolt that is accessed once the trim tab is removed.
Thanks

[DennisG01]

Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to use SS bolts. If you don't already know the sizes, just take them to a local hardware store and match them up. Put some Tef-Gel or Mercury's Perfect Seal (or similar) on the threads and you're good to go.

[metroman]

Do you know if the stock bolts are an alloy or stainless?

[robert graham]

Do you know if the stock bolts are an alloy or stainless?

I believe they’re some kind of stainless/alloy….since mine do discolor some in salt water….I would’nt hesitate to use some good hardware store stainless steel bolts….Ace Hardware carries a good selection of nuts, bolts, fasteners, etc…

[DennisG01]

Do you know if the stock bolts are an alloy or stainless?

I don't know, offhand - possibly it's dependent on what year/model you have, as well? But it doesn't matter - SS is fine.

However, you should be able tell by the weight of the bolt in your hand.

[99yam40]

I thought SS was an alloy of metals

[oldmako69]

They're 20 bucks because when mechanics work on your boat they generally use Yam parts and Yam says so. If you want to dig even deeper, why does a 1/8 inch diameter, 4-inch piece of fuel line cost 70 bucks? A ninety-degree bend costs 69 dollars. It's nuts.

[metroman]

Ace is the place. A couple of bucks apiece.