PCM 40 A Gearbox Ratio1.23:1

[Tony-SA]

Greetings from Sun City Waterworld, South Africa,

We have a number of Nautique Ski boats that have mid-engines with straight drives, using the PCM 40 A gearbox ratio 1.23:1

We have been informed that this particular gearbox has been discontinued by PCM.

Firstly, is this correct, because if so, we are searching for clutch and seal kits to service this gearbox?

Secondly, if these kits are no longer available, we are looking for any used and serviceable complete gearboxes?

All engines are standard rotations.

[NautiqueJeff]

What you have heard is correct -- that transmission has been discontinued, and there are almost no repair parts available unfortunately.

The standard recommendation is to replace the transmissions with the 80-series transmissions, but that gets expensive, especially outside of the US.

I wish I had better news for you.

[Tony-SA]

Thank you Jeff,

Your speedy but disappointing reply is noted.

Could we possibly use / adapt another mid-engine boat's gearbox, like for example; a Master Craft, a Supra, or a Supreme, etc...

[jpwhit]

Here's the 40A seal kit.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/223113373564

[jpwhit]

I haven't seen a source for other internal parts. So if the clutch packs get damaged, then replacing with the 80a is the only option. Typically, the clutch packs only get damaged if the fluid get low due to a leak. So keeping the transmission leak free is the key to them running a long time.

[jpwhit]

Other manufacturer gearboxes would result in the prop rotating the other direction. You're also not going to find the same ratio.

The PCM 80A is a drop-in replacement for the 40A. I doubt converting to another manufacturer's gearbox would end up being cheaper. With that said, I can't really understand the current price of the 80A. I replaced the 40A in my 2012 Nautique 200 with an 80A and the new gearbox cost me $1700 at the time. That was in 2016. Hard to explain why they’re going for more like $4500 now.

I see 40a’s that claim to be in good condition on eBay fairly often for around $1500.

I will say the 80a seems to be a really good transmission.