1998 Sundancer 270 with Bravo II - is this drive a good choice?

[deeman]

For some reason, 25-27 foot boats made in the late 90’s range in Michigan are tough to find.

I found a 1998 270 DA with a Bravo II outdrive and 5.7 engine. Has about 450 hours on it. The more I read, the more I am leery of the Bravo II as the right drive for this boat. I have learned that the Bravo II is ideal for pushing big boats at slower speeds.

I am looking at another 1999 270 DA, but the owner of 10 years has not changed the bellows and seems a bit mysterious about the service history. However it has the Bravo III. In a perfect world I would like the B 3 for the fuel efficiency and slow maneuver capabilities as compared to a B II. Would you run not walk away from this boat?

I am also a bit concerned about trying to (eventually) sell the 270 with a Bravo II. Can anyone confirm if a 270 DA with a Bravo II is indeed harder to sell – would you buy one over a similarly equipped Bravo III 270?

Anyhow, this is a GREAT site and has been very helpful. Thanks!

 

[sdarc]

I would think the 5.7 engine would be more of a concern. I pretty sure this is a 270DASE the special edtion model with a narrower beam. The 270DA "standard" came with a 7.4 big block.
My previous boat was a 25' EC with a 5.7 and when you got some people on it over 4 it was working hard to get on a plane. That boat had a dry weight of 5000lbs.

 

[deeman]

Gosh - my mistake. It is the 7.4 Engine, not the 5.7. Sorry!

 

[Lazy Daze]

I would not be concerned about a B2 at all. It's being used on the exact style of boat and manner it was intended. A B3 is a better choice, but it's not like it's "night and day" better. The downside to a B3 can be corrosion problems, but it can be controlled. Seeing as you're in fresh water, that is less of a concern, as well.

If it was me, I'd put the decision on "B2 vs B3" pretty far down on my list when comparing boats. Both will do the job well.

 

[garryowen]

I would not be concerned about a B2 at all. It's being used on the exact style of boat and manner it was intended. A B3 is a better choice, but it's not like it's "night and day" better. The downside to a B3 can be corrosion problems, but it can be controlled. Seeing as you're in fresh water, that is less of a concern, as well.

If it was me, I'd put the decision on "B2 vs B3" pretty far down on my list when comparing boats. Both will do the job well.

dido pulse; you have a better and cheaper prop selection with the b2, the b2 is more bullet proof, and the lower units from both are interchangeable if you find you have to have a b3 at a later date.

that said i use b3's on both my boats. as dennis said, wouldn't pass on a good clean deal just because or the b2.

 

[Quint4]

Bravo II is a massive, tough, reliable machine that is great for that boat.

 

[KarenS]

We have a B2 on ours, up and on plane with 6 people on board in no time.....

 

[deeman]

Thanks everyone. I made an offer and am waiting for the approval circuis to begin. Thanks again!

 

[Bob & Sue]

I have the 270 DASE with 5.7l and BII drive with 2.2:1 gear ratio 18"x21 pitch prop I can get on plane in seconds but there is usually only a couple people on the boat. If I had a chance to do it over again I'd get the BII over the B3 for several reasons a BII is almost bullet proof we boat where there can be a lot of debris in the water mostly logs coming in Monday from fishing going about 24 knots a Humpback whale surfaced right behind us. In my opinion the B3's are mighty expensive to repair even a set of props will cost a couple boat bucks. The biggest problem with the Sea Ray's are the small trim tabs I have a set of 18" tabs to put on as soon as I can. Make sure the boat you're looking at has good service records and get a survey and it fits your needs.

 

[MartellFlorida]

Good luck with your offer. I have a 7.4 B2 and its a great combo. I've had zero issues with either, it gets great fuel economy, and performes better that I expected a boat of this size would. The 270 is a very versitile boat.