210 SLX Power Choice

G

Grover432

New Member
Mar 13, 2015
11
Canada
Boat Info
Boatless
Engines
Boatless
Hello,

I'm trying to choose between two power choices on a new 210 SLX. This will be my first boat. The choices are: 260HP /Bravo 3 or 300HP Alpha 1.

I'm interested in opinions on performance, handling and fuel economy. The boat will be wet slip moored for 4 months each year in a freshwater marina.

Thanks.
 
I pondered a similar question last year (before deciding on the 230). I think I'd go with the 350MAG/Alpha1. Engine: More power, not a tremendous gas penalty. Also, I think Mercruiser's planning to phase out the 5.0, replaced with the new 4.5? Not that it matters, I guess. Outdrive: The Alpha1 is a simpler design, and I beleive that has benefits in regards to reliability, maintence, etc. Just my opinion, and I'm certainly not an expert!
 
Yes - the bravo 3 is a more complex drive..but that gives you some advantages too it has friction clutches instead of dog "clutches" and the counter rotating props make maneuvering and docking (especially backing up) much easier....also provides a better holeshot (to make up for the lack of 40 hp) if top speed is your goal...the alpha/300hp wins hands down with more power and less drag....I really dont see maintenance as being much different based on your planned use
 
I'd get the 5.7L too. I have the 5.7L/B3 combo in my 230 SLX and it is awesome. I bet it will be a beast in the 210.
 
@2xsl

A350 Mag/B3 isn't an option for me due to cost so it is either 300 HP/A1 or 260HP/B3. Incidentally , this engine is no longer showing on the Sea Ray build site, replaced by a 6 cyl 4.5 250 HP. The base V6 has 220. The 300/B3 is a $9600 upgrade option, which is just too much for me.
 
Thanks. I guess I was looking at his sig. I've got 2 weeks to make up my mind. After that boat show dollars are gone.
 
It is a hard choice. And, it is really determined by what you want to do with the boat. The B3 gives a better hole-shot, supposedly up to 30% better, as well as lower planing speeds. So, if you want to pull children on water toys at low speeds the B3 would be advantageous.

On the other hand, if you want high top-end speeds the 5.7 and the Alpha 1 are the way to go. The extra HP of the MAG and the reduced drag of the A1 will give you the best MPH. And, add SmartTabs for ~$150 and it'll come on-plane at pretty low speeds.
 
If your typical boat day is cruising around and hanging out, I think the larger engine and alpha drive is your better choice. If you are into serious watersports, I think the b3 drive is a better choice.
 
NorCalGlenn said:
I think he's suggesting the 350/A1 combo...and expressing his satisfaction with the motor. :)
Click to expand...

Yep, sorry I wasn't more clear. The 350/Alpha 1 combo would be my pick of the options that you mentioned.
 
I have only ever owned a Bravo, but my 2c. After seeing the impeller design on the alpha, I would never even think about getting one.

The bravo 3 is going to give you the best hole shot and the best low speed performance(like around the dock).


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Grover
I would go with the 300hp/Alpha drive. On my first boat I dinged the prop a bunch of times and a bravoIII set of props would be an expensive lesson on how to pay attention to the water around you. Of course if you only boat somewhere with good depth the bravoIII really has a lot of good points.

jv
 
Hi,

I think I'm leaning towards the 350mag/Alpha 1. I appreciate that the "hole shot" is better with the BIII drive and some people say the A1 drive is a lighter duty unit that is at the limit of its power capability (whether this is true or not we don't know without talking to Mercury marine), but even if that is the case, I have to consider budget and usage.

While we may spend more time on the boat waterskiing and pulling the kids in a tube than with our Sea Doo, the reality is in my boating area, we are on the water for weekends from June 15th to August 31st. Before and after that the kids are in school and we don't go to the cottage on weekends outside that period. During our boating season, I typically put 15 - 20 hours on our Sea Doo. I wonder if I would put more on the boat? With a 7 year ownership plan, the boat would have between 100 - 150 hours on it. Even if the A1 is a lighter duty unit, I have to believe it can meet the demand of that usage. If not, it will have been an expensive mistake.

Given that the $1,500 boat show deals are gone (March 31st), I'm inclined to wait until the ice is off the lakes and drive both boats to see what I think most suits our needs. Its a bit crazy to buy a $60,000 ($CAD) boat without a test drive first. I'm driving a $75,000 BMW and I took a 6 cylinder and 8 cylinder model home for the weekend before deciding which one was the better car (I ended up with the 6 cylinder 300 HP one).

I appreciate all of your advice. If money wasn't an object, I'd have opted for a 350Mag/B III just to have the best of both worlds (whether I need the "extra" or not). Either propulsion option will push this boat close to the 50 MPH mark (give or take a few MPH) which is plenty for what we will do with the boat.

I'll report back after the test drives. In the mean time, any additional thoughts are always welcome. :)
 
Last edited:
takemboating said:
Grover
I would go with the 300hp/Alpha drive. On my first boat I dinged the prop a bunch of times and a bravoIII set of props would be an expensive lesson on how to pay attention to the water around you. Of course if you only boat somewhere with good depth the bravoIII really has a lot of good points.

jv
Click to expand...

We boat in a lake with an average depth of 30'. there are now rocks so the only contact with the bottom would come with trying to beach the boat (which we wouldn't do), or getting to close to shore when dropping an anchor. I believe the boat has a depth sounder so we should be OK there as well. I really like the idea of the BIII drive, bit it would require an order at this point and an extra $3,500 over the cost of the boat I am looking at, which is getting to the top of my comfort zone for summer fun. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,267
Messages
1,429,710
Members
61,146
Latest member
bmel
Back
Top