Bravo 3 play

B

Bob McDonough

Member
Jun 18, 2015
39
Bass River, Cape Cod
Boat Info
2002 Sea Ray Weekender / LUNA Sea 3
Engines
Mercruiser with Bravo 3 out drive
Good afternoon,

I am hopeful someone has an answer. I am looking at a 2005 Sea Ray Sundeck. It is powered by a Mercruiser 5.0/Bravo 3. The outdrive can be moved by hand side to side about an inch or so. Can anyone tell me if that sounds correct? I seem to remember reading some where that 1/4 inch is OK and beyond that could be bigger issues.

thanks in advance for your help.

Irish Bob
 
Check to see if the upper swivel pin nuts are loose. (Two nuts top of the gimbal facing the rear. Torque to 55 ft lbs.)
 
Possibly the gimbal ring is rounded out where the swivel shaft penetrates it (common problem with a bit of a pricy fix).
 
Friends B3 had 1.5" play or so after 12 years in fresh water.
$2100 repair bill to fix it, and was lower since they didn't need to pull the engine which is uncommon.
 
Also, have someone watch the steering mechanism inside the boat while you move the drive back and forth - need to determine if the play is in the drive steering pin (mentioned above) or is it just slop in the steering mechanism inside the boat.
 
Thanks guys for replies. Another look shows skeg damage. On Cape we see a lot of it however makes me wonder if they are both related. I guess I am concerned about taking next step at this point.
 
I would be more concerned about the rest of the boat, interior and hull condition, compared to the asking price. Easy enough to see exactly where the slop is. A 5.0 is marginal power.
 
scoflaw said:
I would be more concerned about the rest of the boat, interior and hull condition, compared to the asking price. Easy enough to see exactly where the slop is. A 5.0 is marginal power.
Click to expand...
With all due respect; Boat is no good without drive. While I understand condition of boat should be considered so should the sellers intention of concealing a serious issue that could cause harm. This is a family boat, not a fishing vessel.
 
It's not uncommon for owners to NOT know anything about what is considered "slop" or not. Heck, a lot of owners probably never even check for that. I wouldn't hold it against the guy or assume that he is trying to "hide" something. As far he knows, it works fine. Point it out to him and see if he's interested in having a shop look at it to give an estimate and then either he pays to fix it or come up with an agreeable amount (by both of you) to drop the price. It's all a negoation game. This is also not an issue that will all of a sudden cause a safety concern.

It is HIGHLY unlikely that a skeg strike ever causes any damage to something other than itself. I don't see the two things you are talking about being related.
 
scoflaw said:
I would be more concerned about the rest of the boat, interior and hull condition, compared to the asking price. Easy enough to see exactly where the slop is. A 5.0 is marginal power.
Click to expand...
How do you know the 5.0 "is marginal power"? He didn't say which Sundeck he is referring to.
 
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