Buy 220 Sundeck with Alpha 1 or hold out for Bravo 3?

Hi,
I've found a 2007 220 Sundeck that looks good, thinking of purchasing but questioning the Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive, wondering if I should keep looking for model with Bravo 3. Boat has 290 hours, Merc 350 Mag 300 HP. We boat in Sacramento River Delta (CA), fresh water, pleasure cruising, occasional pulling a tube. I'm not too concerned about top end as mostly cruise 3000 - 3500 range. Love the fit and finish of SR's, appreciate your help!

That’s right at the edge of what an alpha can handle. I’m sure it’ll be fine as long as you don’t drop the hammer on it to get out of the hole.

The b3 will jump on plane quicker and stay on plane at a lower speed, low speed handling will be better with the b3 as well.

The alpha has the weight advantage for servicing. I remove both of ours and reinstall every year by myself. Can’t do that with the b3. Impellers in the bravo can be done in the water, not so much with the alpha but that’s not a big deal. Bravos need a little more love to keep corrosion at bay if it will be slipped.

I would not want a 350 Mag paired with an Alpha I - as mentioned above 300hp is about the limit for an Alpha drive. Now, as far as the boat, a 220 with a 5.0 and Alpha I I think is a great setup. Plenty of power for that boat and the simplicity of the Alpha I for service. Just my opinion.

The comments about 300HP vs Alpha are fair comments, with an exception or two. It's a somewhat antiquated notion since the drives have been improved over the years to handle more power. But the biggest exception is that the "power vs Alpha" issue is about torque, not so much HP. Back in the day, Alphas were hooked up to big blocks (454's) and there WERE issues with that. But a 350 doesn't produce the brute force that a 454 does.

I wouldn't be worried about the drive not being strong enough or having to worry about "babying" it. There's plenty of them out there like that and it just isn't the problem it used to be.

To answer your question... Would a B3 provide more performance (hole shot, slow speed planing)? Sure, no question. But the 350/Alpha is a very nice package and will work very well for watersports. Now, if you told us your main goal was to load the boat up and do heavy watersports all the time, I would tell you to find a B3. But I've run these boats with that exact package you are looking at and they perform great. It will get on plane very nicely and cruise around easily.

I use to own a 2006 220 Sundeck with a B3 and loved it (slow planning speed, handling, getting out of the hole, etc.). I have no experience with the Alpha 1 so can't help there. The 220 Sundeck was a great all around family boat for us. Had plenty of room and was a great layout. Enjoy

My last boat prior to the DA, was a 1994 220 Celebrity Status, 350 Mag with an Alpha 1. Never had any problems in the 2 years I owned it or the previous 16 my parents did.

It’s a pretty stout combo. 950 hours together and still happy.

Just my $.02.

Nic

Thanks to all for your input! This puts my mind at ease, think I'll move forward to Sea Ray ownership....hopefully will be updating my status soon