Mercruiser engine/outdrive question

[gammalight]

Hello all,

As always I look to the iBoats forum expertise to help me with my tough questions. I am curious about the advantages/disadvantages of having a mercruiser 5.0mpi with alpha 1 outdrive instead of a 5.0mpi with a Bravo package. Can I expect the same holeshot with the alpha as I can with the bravo? What will the bravo do for me with this engine that the alpha can not. I am looking at the 5.0mpi with alpha on a 2011 Bryant 233. I will be wakeboarding and will probably have 4 - 6 people on it all the time.

I know bigger is better with boats and engines but I am not looking for top speed necessarily.

Thank you!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Mercruiser engine/outdrive question

For your stated boat and purpose, you want, dare I say NEED, the Bravo 3.

The Bravo 3 will out perform the Alpha in holeshot, by a lot. It will pull a load better than the Alpha. It will manuever better at slow speeds, it will turn either direction well in reverse. It will plane faster, and hold plane at a lower speed. Basically EVERYTHING you will want/need while wakeboarding.