Re: Bravo III vs Alpha I
I know that the counter rotating props on a Bravo III make going into reverse easier to control, but what are some of the other advantages of a Bravo III vs Alpha I sterndrive? In a boat with twin I/Os, is this factor less important? Are there any advantages of a Alpha I over a Bravo III other than cost?
RK
Other B3 advantages: faster planing, lower speed to hold plane, ability to put a big block in front of it without hurting it, engine mounted raw water pump (the big advantage is if you can actually reach it, then you can change an impeller while the boat is in the water), somewhat less wander at idle speed (really depends on the hull).
These advantages still exist in a twins set up. My father switched his Chap Signature 300 cruiser from Bravo 2s to Bravo 3s and he said the boat did everything better. Low speed handling, handling in reverse, planed faster, held plane better, and went faster on the top end.
Alpha one advantages: Much less expensive to replace if you break it. Props are much less expensive to buy and experiment with. At docking speeds, the Alpha will go slower (due to more prop slip, mostly) which can be a very good thing in tight areas.
