Merc cruiser Bravo 3

[granpafish]

My son is looking at a boat that is powered by a 1999 Merc cruiser Bravo 3, 5.0 litre, 230 hp unit. I am not at all familiar with I/Os. Anyone have any insight into this setup? Any thing in particular we should be looking out for? It has only 150 hrs on it. Thanks, Granpa

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

With Regular Maintaince, There Should be another 1000/1500 Hours left in that rig.....

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

Not sure what size vessel you are looking at, but in my humble opinion, the dual-prop setup is an extra expense option ($2500 or more)you do not need in anything under 25 feet.<br /><br />If you whack something really hard (concrete, steel) you've got $1000 in props to replace, minimum, not to mention a more complicated ($$) drive shaft and gear set.<br /><br />Look on any of several internet classified listings for the same boat with an Alpha or Bravo 1 drive and compare the prices.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

Forgot to mention, if the boat is 25-feet plus, and your son wants to load it up with people and pull skiiers---go for the dual prop setup.<br /><br />The first owner took most of the hit on depreciation and cost of the new drive.<br /><br />If I were you, I would arm myself with other prices from the web in order to negotiate properly. Having other boats to look at with prices listed saved me about $2000 when I purchased my new, used rig last year.<br /><br />Make an offer contingent on a sea trial (test drive) and mechanical survey, and simply move on to the next one if the owner balks.

 

[granpafish]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

Thanks for your insight. I forgot to mention the boat. It is a 2520 Parker, so it sounds like the match is right. The asking price is at the low end of blue book so if the boat passes inspection, I think that will have done OK. Is there somewhere I can look to learn the basics of I/Os. Maintenence, spotting problems, that sort of thing? Thanks Granpa

 

[Trent]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

Here is a couple of places......... <br /><br /> 1 <br /><br /> 2 <br /><br /> 3

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

hello<br /> the bravo drive is normally reliable, survey and seatrial. need all maint records as to bellows replacements and such.if it has stainless props have them pulled and inspect the bearing carrier for corrosin.<br />good luck and post what happens

 

[granpafish]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

Thank you all for your help. These kinds of sites where people are willing to assist folks they don't even know still amaze me. I've had numerous outboards and one inboard. (deisel) Now it looks like it is time to move on to another unknown to confound and torture me. With the info that you guys supplied, it should be minimal. Thanks again. Granpa

 

[BRG25]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

I've heard of corrosion problems also. See Corrosion

 

[granpafish]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

BRG, thanks. A lot of good info. Granpa

 

[BRG25]

Re: Merc cruiser Bravo 3

No problem. I don't know very much about Bravo 3 drives but I have read quite a few posts regarding corrosion on these drives. It is definately a known problem but as far as the solution, you would have to do some research.