1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

[mr300z87]

tomorrow I am going to look at a 21 foot invader cuddy cabin always trailered 210 original hours. I am told it if powered by a mercruiser 5.7 260hp with a Bravo 2 drive. My only outdrive experience is with a 3.0L alpha 1 gen2. My questions is are there anything specific I need to look for on this drive engine combo. I am told it can be run on the hose but the chances of a water test are pretty slim. thanks

Mike

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

I didn't think there was a Bravo series drive in 1989.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

88 was the first year for Bravo drives.
I would be very worried if they said it can't be put in the water for a test, why? What are they trying to hide, overheat at speed, won't get to correct rpm? noises?

 

[mr300z87]

Re: 1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

So I checked out the boat and overall the boat is in near mint condition the engine fired right up and ran smooth and most of all the the wife loved it. The boat has not been in the water or registered since 2007 which is why a sea trial is not possible. He actually told me he wish he could put it in the water a run it for me, not that that is any consolation. I can tell from the overall condition of the boat that is was well cared for always covered and never bottom painted. The one problem that I was informed about even before I looked was a power steering leak from the retracting tube which is corroded through. If I were to purchase this boat I would replace both of the lines. My question is how difficult will it be to replace the lines (the metal ones on the steering rack). Once I remove some of the engine covers access looks OK. BTW that Bravo 2 drive is a MONSTER makes my alpha look tiny. I know that no sea trial is risky but for $3300 the drive and motor are worth that. going to sleep on it tonight.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

Ok, thanks for the year introduction, Don.

Bravo 2 is a strange drive for that boat. Bravo 2 is best suited for HEAVY crusiers that need to swing a big diameter prop, in order to get them moving. That boat may be a big 21' cuddy, but it sure doesn't need a Bravo 2 drive. Also note that Bravo 2 props are expensive and are not interchaneable with any other drive except the old TR/TRS. And when I say expensive, I mean $600 for aluminum, more for stainless. So experimenting with props is pricey.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

Ok, thanks for the year introduction, Don.

Bravo 2 is a strange drive for that boat. Bravo 2 is best suited for HEAVY crusiers that need to swing a big diameter prop, in order to get them moving. That boat may be a big 21' cuddy, but it sure doesn't need a Bravo 2 drive. Also note that Bravo 2 props are expensive and are not interchaneable with any other drive except the old TR/TRS. And when I say expensive, I mean $600 for aluminum, more for stainless. So experimenting with props is pricey.

Ayuh,... Agreed,...
If ya buy it, I'd pull the lower unit, 'n sell it...
Then bolt on a Bravo III lower unit...

 

[mr300z87]

Re: 1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

My research has already told me not to run the prop into the ground as you mentioned, they are expensive. I would have to agree that the Bravo 2 really does not belong on it but this is how it was originally equipped. The current owner has the original bill of sale from the first owner who special ordered the bravo who knows why. A 4.3 or Crappy 5.0 (had one in a car once) with an alpha would have been just fine. I think I am going to take my chances and buy the boat. I figure the engine, drive and trailer are worth what I am going to pay for the. Wish me luck with the PS lines!!!!!! Have a great day

 

[mr300z87]

Re: 1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

I was trying to find out if I could buy an SEI Bravo 1 replacement drive and bolt that on. Would that work also?? What is a Bravo 2 Lower with 220 hrs on it worth? Then what Prop to use. I will check the bravo 3s. Dual Prop?? The guy say if cruises nice the way it is at about 3000 RPM with I think a 25P prop. Looks like I am going to go for it. Will keep posting. It is a really cool boat will post Pics when/if I get it home. I am a MOPAR (360 CI) kinda guy these Chevy motors scare me but 350 SBCs are tried and true when maintained.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

Yes a Bravo 1 lower will bolt right on as well. B2 lower isn't worth a ton, but it's worth something. Not as much as the $900 SEI B1 brand new lower, though. B3 is a dual prop drive, yes. And not available from anyone but Mercruiser. I like them, but for the boat you are talking about, it doesn't really need a Bravo 3. An Alpha One would have been fine, and a Bravo 1 would be also. or you could just leave it alone and use the Bravo 2.

 

[mr300z87]

Re: 1989 mercruiser 260 bravo 2 drive

I am headed back to take a 2nd look tonight with fresh pair of eyes. My biggest concern is the PS leak. Looks like the PS ram will need to be removed to be repaired. This looks tight on my 3.0L alpha and could be near impossible on this 5.7L. I am hoping there is enough room without engine removal. If the engine needs to come out I am going to pass on this boat and move on. If I buy the boat will most likely use it as is with the Bravo 2. Judging by the size of the Bravo 2 if maintained it will last 2 lifetimes. The Seller says it is quite fast just the way it is. I appreciate the input.