Mercruiser buying advice

[ggardonyi]

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a second hand 2005 Sea Ray with the MAG 350 Bravo III stern drive, it has 280 hours on it. It was serviced as per manuf. requirements but moored in salt water and that's what I intend to do as well. I'm just not sure how much damage the sea water does as I assume it wasnt always flushed, if it was at all.
I'm planning to get it checked out with a mechanic but is there anything I can check with basic handyman skills before spending money on it?

Many thanks,
Gergely

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mercruiser buying advice

if it isn't closed cooled expect to completely repower in a short while

you are only guaranteed about five seasons in salt water even with the best care/maintenance - and thats not a solid guarantee

best advice is to move inland and boat freshwater

 

[ggardonyi]

Re: Mercruiser buying advice

Thanks

 

[IES99]

Re: Mercruiser buying advice

Re: Mercruiser buying advice
if it isn't closed cooled expect to completely repower in a short while
you are only guaranteed about five seasons in salt water even with the best care/maintenance - and thats not a solid guarantee
best advice is to move inland and boat freshwater
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That's not necessarily so. With proper (salt water maintenance: changing exhaust manifolds every few years, the engine can last a long, long time). Maintenance costs are higher, sure, but to say a new engine is needed every 5 years is not true. It depends on what you put into it.

I would change the manifolds now and enjoy the boat in the sea water.

 

[rick3452]

Re: Mercruiser buying advice

I have aBravo 3 and love it, however corrosion issues with the 3 can be a problem. I believe after 2004 they changed the alluminum content. I finally gave up and bought a lift.

Just Google "Bravo 3 Corrosion" sit back and read............

 

[ggardonyi]

Re: Mercruiser buying advice

Thanks for the advice, I will get it checked and take it into account when making an offer.