87 268 with a 454 Merc question for those with one!

Ottawamerc

Member
Mar 23, 2016
74
Kemptville
Boat Info
1987 model on a Karavan tri axle trailer pulled by a 2016 F250 7.2L XLT
Engines
7.4 Mercruiser
Hi Guys

I changed the motor and drive on my boat, see previous posts. Just a refresher it had a 350 with a Alpha drive. Those that have similar set ups know that its under powered, so I installed a 454 and Bravo 1 drive. These boats were offered with these sets so no biggy right? I also knew I would be into more dead weight with the larger motor and drive. So what I have now is: on the original set up the water level was 3-4" below the top most portion of the gimbal and now the entire gimbal is under water! Now add full fuel and water etc. and I realized that I was coming VERY CLOSE to having water intrusion through the risers. I added 3" extensions to the risers and added some relief but its still closer than I like. So question to those out there who have this boat and set up or had it, was yours like this too?
Looking forward to the reply's.
 
Yup, what HT said.

I don't think that is a problem. The water level on my 290 is about the same. No issues.

Just be careful changing exhaust boots while at the dock.:eek:
 
Thanks for the replys, well mine is above the Y pipe, this I know cause when I changed the extensions the new rubber hoses did not seal well and when I splashed it it sounded like Niagra Falls in there. Glad the trailer was close. Could it be the Bravo is too heavy then?
 
Thanks for the replys, well mine is above the Y pipe, this I know cause when I changed the extensions the new rubber hoses did not seal well and when I splashed it it sounded like Niagra Falls in there. Glad the trailer was close. Could it be the Bravo is too heavy then?
My bravo is not too heavy. Have you had the transom and stringers metrted for moisture?
 
nope never done that
I would start there wet stringers and Transom can add slot if weight. As well as end up being rotten which leads to another bunch if issues with motor mounts alignment etc.my other thought if they are dry is weight on the stern from a dingy and motor. I dont carry one on my boat because I dont want all the weight so far back . I have a 16 ft advanced elements inflatable kayak i keep on my deck for when i need a tender
 
Nope no boats back there, I keep the paddle board on the front also. I did install a new swim platform but it is 1/2 the weight of the original.
 
Nope no boats back there, I keep the paddle board on the front also. I did install a new swim platform but it is 1/2 the weight of the original.
Looks like a 3 inch spacer
 

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Thats what I just installed, thanks for that pic HT.
 
Yup, what HT said.

I don't think that is a problem. The water level on my 290 is about the same. No issues.

Just be careful changing exhaust boots while at the dock.:eek:
It's a tricky little job when I did mine I took alot of precauttionsactually installed the new shutters from within the lower boots
 

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