Mercury – Driveshaft Housing Seal Kit | Alpha One Gen II | Composite & Rubber | 88397A1

Overview

There’s a certain peace you feel when your boat responds exactly the way it should — no hesitation, no strange vibrations, just smooth power as you ease across the water. That confidence doesn’t happen by accident; it comes from choosing the right parts in the places that matter most. The Mercury Marine part number 88397A1 Driveshaft Housing Seal Kit is one of those behind-the-scenes components you rarely think about until something’s off. When this kit is doing its job, you’ll feel it in the quiet steadiness of your MerCruiser as you pull away from the dock or push deeper into open water.

Key Features

• Helps seal and protect the driveshaft housing on Alpha One Gen II MerCruiser sterndrives
• Durable composite and rubber construction designed for long-term reliability
• Built for 2004 and newer Alpha One Gen II sterndrives (1991 and newer platform)
• Engineered for a tight, secure fit to maintain proper driveline performance
• Designed for confident installation using common tools

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Fits Alpha One Gen II MerCruiser sterndrives, 2004 and newer (on the 1991-and-newer Gen II platform)
• Ideal for sterndrive-powered runabouts, bowriders, cabin cruisers, and fishing boats
• Works with many popular family cruisers and sport boats running MerCruiser gasoline sterndrives
• Suitable for both single-engine and twin-engine configurations

Performance & Practical Benefits

A solid sterndrive relies on clean, dependable sealing where the driveshaft meets the housing. When this area is compromised, you can feel the difference — a faint vibration, a touch of moisture where it shouldn’t be, or a subtle shift in how the engine loads. With the 88397A1 kit in place, everything settles into the smooth, secure rhythm you expect from a well-kept MerCruiser system. The components press in cleanly, tightening up the driveline so your acceleration feels crisp and your steering stays responsive, even in choppy conditions.

Durability matters here, too. Between heat, torque, and hours of steady use, the seal kit has to stand up to far more than the eye can see. Mercury Marine’s engineered materials handle that punishment quietly, resisting wear and keeping water where it belongs. And because the fit is so precise, you spend less time fighting alignment and more time feeling relieved that everything seats properly the first time.

Why Buy OEM

If you’ve been boating long enough, you know there are parts you can gamble with and parts you shouldn’t. Anything that protects your driveline falls firmly into the second category. Choosing an original Mercury Marine part means you’re getting the dimensions, materials, and performance the engine was built around. It’s not about brand loyalty — it’s about knowing the seal will fit, hold, and last. Aftermarket pieces may look similar, but they rarely match the engineering consistency that keeps your boat running season after season. When you want fewer headaches and more time on the water, OEM simply makes sense.

FAQ

Q1: Which Mercury engines or systems does the Driveshaft Housing Seal Kit fit?

It’s built for Alpha One Gen II MerCruiser sterndrives, specifically 2004 and newer units based on the 1991-and-newer platform.

Q2: What makes this part different from aftermarket alternatives?

The biggest difference is precision. Mercury designs the kit to match exact tolerances, so the seal seats cleanly and performs consistently over time.

Q3: How do I know if this is the correct replacement for my setup?

Check your sterndrive’s serial range and confirm it’s an Alpha One Gen II. If so, this kit is typically the correct match for models 2004 and newer.

Q4: Can this be used in both saltwater and freshwater applications?

Absolutely. The materials hold up well in both environments as long as regular maintenance is followed.

Q5: Is installation straightforward for most boat owners?

Yes. If you’re comfortable working on sterndrives, you’ll find it installs cleanly with common shop tools.