1999 260 Sundancer BLOWN Bravo III Drive UGH.

R

rooney1004

New Member
Aug 31, 2009
19
Grand Rapids MI
Boat Info
1999 260 Sundancer
Engines
7.4 Mercruiser Bravo III
Wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this.

First a very brief history. I had a feeling my gimbal was a little weak as it would "grumble" a little bit if I started the engine with the out drive trimmed up but it was a very minute noise. I did some checking and was told that the gimbal would need replacing, but I would be well aware when it was ready to go. I didn't have it replaced yet as we have finally had some epic weather here in the great lakes but it was on my radar. I noticed also that when running around 25 mph there was a slight vibration in the steering wheel when the out drive was trimmed down all the way, again, I was concerned, but didn't address it immediately.... lesson learned? I think so.

We were cruising into White Lake about 22 miles from our home port, at about 30 mph when the engine stuttered a bit like it was out of gas, I pumped the throttle once and the rpms fell to zero and the boat stalled completely. I waited a while and tried to turn the motor over and heard what sounded like a bad bearing in the transom. I figured the gimbal had completely failed. I wasn't completely wrong, but apparently wasn't aware of all that had gone wrong.

Towed it to the nearest marina for service and just received the news that my bravo III drive, upper and lower, are completely shot. I was told that the drive shafts had about 5/8 inches of play in them and the propellers were working their way into the housing on the out drive :smt021

I was quoted $5000-$5700 to replace the entire drive with a refurbished unit. Needless to say this hurts.

Has anyone dealt with this? I haven't read a lot about the Bravo III completely failing like this, but realize it can happen. With only 460 hours on the boat, it seems like it should have lasted longer, then again, I don't know how proficient the previous owner of 10 years had treated the boat, other than everything checked out in the survey and sea trial. This is my second season with this vessel.

Any advice moving forward is greatly appreciated.
 
I am no expert in the Bravo series by any stretch, but as a mechanic proficient in stern drives, I would want to know what failed. I suppose you could have lower unit issues but would that have caused the actual failure. If the boat wont turn over or has noise when running in neutral, I would be more concerned with the upper unit and transom bearing. If running and drop in gear and then dies, then yes you may have dual problems. You got towed in to the nearest marina who knows they have you by the short hairs. So they can fix everything for a hefty price tag, including stuff that may not be broken or worn down. If you trailer this boat I would conciser other opinions.

Again me being a mechanic, its hard for a shop to fool me. But I have seen many shops take people for expensive rides for no good reason.
 
That drive failed for one reason - prolonged lack of maintenance - drives have to be pulled at a minimum of every other year - they need to be pressure tested, the gimble, u-jounts, and bellows need to be inspected - lube needs to be changed anually - they need to be touched up, anti-fouled, and have the anodes replaced

Having a boat with an outdrive (or two) is no joke - its a lot of maintenance - if you skimp on that maintenance, you pay big time.
 
They do fail even if you keep up on the maintenance. My fathers 290 Amberjacks drives both failed with annual maintenance. Mechanics said it was an assembly issue with the drives. He had the extended warranty and paid the premium for new Bravo III's. But if you know you have pending issues - then chances are you have big issues.
 
rooney1004 said:
I was quoted $5000-$5700 to replace the entire drive with a refurbished unit. Needless to say this hurts.
Click to expand...

Now I've never dealt with Bravo III drives, but...ouch! Shop around for sure. The labor in replacing a lower and upper unit is easy..an easy DIY project. Depending on how much you want to spend, there's got to be some used one's around; even check EBay. Friend of mine had a shot upper unit which I helped him replace. He bought an "as-is" one off of Ebay for less $175; that was in 2007 and last I knew, he had put over 80 hours on it...
 
Gunn said:
Now I've never dealt with Bravo III drives, but...ouch! Shop around for sure. The labor in replacing a lower and upper unit is easy..an easy DIY project. Depending on how much you want to spend, there's got to be some used one's around; even check EBay. Friend of mine had a shot upper unit which I helped him replace. He bought an "as-is" one off of Ebay for less $175; that was in 2007 and last I knew, he had put over 80 hours on it...
Click to expand...

Exactly my point. Let us know how it works out.
 
KayKook said:
Was it Whitehall landing that gave you the quote ?
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Nope, actually right next door at Crosswinds. I have to say, They have been good to deal with so far. I don't know much about their reputation, Moxie actually referred me to them. I'll keep you posted on their work.
 
jitts3 said:
You got towed in to the nearest marina who knows they have you by the short hairs. So they can fix everything for a hefty price tag, including stuff that may not be broken or worn down. If you trailer this boat I would conciser other opinions.

Again me being a mechanic, its hard for a shop to fool me. But I have seen many shops take people for expensive rides for no good reason.
Click to expand...

Yep you just nailed my biggest problem, I have no trailer. I appreciate the insight though, I think I fall into the category of "dual problems" base on what I'm being told. Mechanic told me that the lower is completely shredded/useless and the upper casing might still be good, but he's not totally sure and he has no reason to open it up.

Looks like we are going to be right around $5800 out the door based on my last conversation a few minutes ago. I called my home marina and they agreed that Crosswinds was in the ball park with regard to it being a fair price. "Fair" obviously being a relative term...
 
Gunn said:
Now I've never dealt with Bravo III drives, but...ouch! Shop around for sure. The labor in replacing a lower and upper unit is easy..an easy DIY project. Depending on how much you want to spend, there's got to be some used one's around; even check EBay. Friend of mine had a shot upper unit which I helped him replace. He bought an "as-is" one off of Ebay for less $175; that was in 2007 and last I knew, he had put over 80 hours on it...
Click to expand...

Once I replenish the bank funds I'll be shopping for a trailer HARD. Somewhat reassuring though that it is a relatively easy project, let's hope this doesn't happen again, but if it does, I hope to be a little more prepared.
 
Ididntdoit said:
That drive failed for one reason - prolonged lack of maintenance - drives have to be pulled at a minimum of every other year - they need to be pressure tested, the gimble, u-jounts, and bellows need to be inspected - lube needs to be changed anually - they need to be touched up, anti-fouled, and have the anodes replaced

Having a boat with an outdrive (or two) is no joke - its a lot of maintenance - if you skimp on that maintenance, you pay big time.
Click to expand...

I would have to agree with you. The person I bought it from was the original owner... which means I inherited about 10 years of his bad maintenance habits. Usually 'one owner' boats are a good thing... At least if it had changed hands a couple times it might have been serviced right. Pretty eye opening.
 
Welp, looking like the new drive will be on a truck tomorrow, and I should be on the water by Thursday evening if all goes well. I'm looking forward to seeing my old drive in person. I'll try to get some pics posted once I see it so you guys can check it out (if there is anything worth looking at)
 
PM Me. I may be interested in the parts of the old ones.
 
While they have the engine out, have them install a oil drain kit and clean the sh*t out of your bilge.
I'm sorry to hear about that drive.
 
rooney1004 said:
Once I replenish the bank funds I'll be shopping for a trailer HARD. Somewhat reassuring though that it is a relatively easy project, let's hope this doesn't happen again, but if it does, I hope to be a little more prepared.
Click to expand...

Wow, personally, I'd buy a used trailer and then a buy a used bravo unit, remove and reinstall the new one in a day and still save money over a new one!

You may find there's little wrong with one part of the drive or the other and can be repaired cheaply and then sold to recover some of your money.

Good luck,
 
Nehalennia said:
While they have the engine out, have them install a oil drain kit and clean the sh*t out of your bilge.
I'm sorry to hear about that drive.
Click to expand...

Thats good advice, I'll make the call in the morning, hopefully in time. Thanks for the condolences.
 
Gunn said:
Wow, personally, I'd buy a used trailer and then a buy a used bravo unit, remove and reinstall the new one in a day and still save money over a new one!

You may find there's little wrong with one part of the drive or the other and can be repaired cheaply and then sold to recover some of your money.

Good luck,
Click to expand...

If anyone has any leads on a used trailer, I'm interested, I totally agree that is probably the better way to go, just feeling a bit limited on options at the moment. Kinda wishing it was labor day weekend ;) ....... but only a little
 
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