280SD Twin 4.3L MPI with Bravo III drives

TX280DA said:
Makes me wonder if Marine Max over charged for any of the service they performed...
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Wow, that is possible.

Plus did you see how much MM is charging to service the flux capacitor? Great Scott! (reference “Back to the future” circa 1985)

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I think that MM putting "BIII" all over the paperwork for service is indicative of a deeper problem. As a starter, the zinc requirements are *NOT* the same for these drives. To me, this makes all the work they do a little bit suspect. Afterall, having a *dealer* perform maintenance generally is a cost premium. One of the things *I* would expect when paying a premium is full and proper documentation. I mean, its not like the difference between a BIII and an Alpha is subtle: It's pretty clear if a drive has more than one propeller! Even an Admiral can figure that out!

BTW: It is interesting that the two drive options are "Alpha" or "Bravo III". One wonders why BI or BII drives are not more common. I suspect the answer is marketing. You can charge much more if the boat has four props instead of two. And if you can't charge for four props. . . then put on the cheapest drive you can.

Using 20/20 hindsight. . I think I would prefer B-II's on a boat. I like the simplicity of "one drive - one prop". The B-II's also (I may be wrong on this point) put the water impeller onto the engine, which makes replacement "easier" (as in. . don't have to pull the boat out of the water)
 
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Doug,

My apologies for apparently giving you some bad info. I went from a 26' to a 34' and didn't really own anything in between.
 
Might be a bit late, but I bought a 2005 28 with alphas and 4.3's in December. It goes like a rocket and gets up very quickly. I have been out with 8 adults (some fat) on board and had no problems plaining and cruising around Sydney Harbour (that's how we spell it here). Going on what you said earlier about the things you wanted to do it's perfect. I had it up to 45mph or 75kph in no time flat. Good luck hope you get it.
 
The 280 with 4.3's and Alpha's is a great combo. The boat is easy on the fuel for a boat of this size with this power package. The boat comes on plane quickly without the use of tabs. As mentioned before...if you are keeping the boat in the water the Alpha seems to be better in the corrosion department than the BIII. Prop repairs are doubled with the BIII. The biggest benefit I personally see in the 4.3/alpha combo is the engines are physically shorter being V-6's. This gives you valuable extra room in front of the engines (this is where you stand in the engine room in this boat). The Bravo III is no doubt a heavier duty drive but 220 HP is only 74% of the Alpha's 300 HP rated capacity. Should you knock both alphas off the boat... you could replace both of them for le$$ than one Bravo III.

With all of this said.... the 280 has 3 very nice gas power package options all of which performed well. I cannot speak to the diesel offering as I do not have any experience. The 280 is a great boat that I enjoy. Good luck!
 
I read these posts with interest as I am considering purchasing a 2008 290 DA and uncertain whether to go with the 4.3 Bravo IIIs or upgrade to the 5.0s. Anyone aware of a published boat test comparing the two? I'd also love to hear from any owners of a 2006-2008 290 equipped with 4.3s - are you satisfied with the boat's performance? Any input would be helpful. Thanks.
 
We have an '04 280 here with twin alphas and 4.3's and it runs fantastic.
very quick to plane and good top speed.
It is the right set up for that boat.
 
I also have twin 4.3 engines and they work just fine. We only put about 30 hours a year on the boat so bigger engines are not going to matter much for us.
 
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