Alpha or Bravo Drives?

[Gromulin]

I'm narrowing in on a used, 2000-2002, 210BR as the next boat. From the spec sheets I've downloaded from SeaRay (one of the reasons I've settled on SeaRay is their deep store of online info and support) I see that there were two drive options; Alpha and Bravo. What's the difference? I'll be looking for the fuel-injected 5.0, and am wondering which will be more common? Any preferences?

Any info appreciated!

 

[springer3]

Both of my boats have Alpha drives. Bravo drives have dual counter-rotating props. From what I understand, Bravo drives are more effective, particularly at low speed. The only downside I see for the Bravo is higher initial cost, and higher maintenance/repair costs.

On balance, I wish I had a Bravo, but the Alphas get you thorough the water no problem.

 

[tbirdvet]

You can get additional info. at Mercruiser web site but the Bravo drive is stronger and can handle higher output engines.

 

[randmhall]

The Bravo3 has a couple of advantages in my experience. One is that it stears better, especially in reverse. My old boat would only turn well in one direction due to prop walk when backing. The other is hole shot performance. The Dual prop pushes a lot of water. My old boat was a 22' welcraft with a 350 mag/alpha drive. Our current 240 Sundeck has the same engine with a bravo3 and pulls me up much better, dispite being almost a 1000 lbs heavier. The Bravo shifts ultra smoth as well.

 

[FYN409]

FYI, bravo drives come in both single and dual prop configurations depending on what model.......

 

[Gromulin]

From what I've seen in the used boat market, it seems like the Alpha was the default drive with the 5.0 injected motor. Am I making a correct assumption here? Not much attention is paid to the outdrive in most CL / Boattrader ads...you generally have to call to find out and about half the people don't even know without walking outside and looking at the side of the drive. I'm looking for reliablity and ease of maintainance, so unless the Bravo has some super-duper benefit, I don't think I'd be willing to pay a premium for it. For the model years I'm looking at, it looks like the choices were Alpha 1 or Bravo 3 (dual prop?)

 

[mwph]

The Bravo 3 is indeed the dual prop.

Are you going to be trailering the boat? Fresh or salt water use? The B3 has added corrosion concerns that need to be addressed. It would/did not stop me from buying the B3 but your intended use, as well as the P.O.'s need to be considered.

 

[Gromulin]

The Bravo 3 is indeed the dual prop.

Are you going to be trailering the boat? Fresh or salt water use? The B3 has added corrosion concerns that need to be addressed. It would/did not stop me from buying the B3 but your intended use, as well as the P.O.'s need to be considered.

Trailering:Yes
Saltwater: Hmm...only the occasional venture into brackish / delta waterways is a possibility. 99% in inland lakes and the Sacramento river.

I'm sure I'll facepalm 2 seconds after posting...but what are "P.O's" Please elaborate...:huh:

 

[highslice]

Trailering:Yes
Saltwater: Hmm...only the occasional venture into brackish / delta waterways is a possibility. 99% in inland lakes and the Sacramento river.

I'm sure I'll facepalm 2 seconds after posting...but what are "P.O's" Please elaborate...:huh:

Previous owner.

Merc had some corrosion issues with bravo drives of that vintage, but if you are trailering you shouldn't have a big problem. Have it checked out before you buy, though.