Bravo 3 vs Bravo 1

[BennyC1960]

Hi All.

2003 Sea Ray 260DA. Currently have Bravo 3 that’s on its last leg. My mechanic suggested getting a Bravo 1 to replace. Says maneuvering may be a bit tougher but cost difference is significant. Anyone make that change? If so do you recommend? Thanks.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Get a B1, B3 is nuts on price, Look into SEI. 1/3 the price of Merc.

 

[Ididntdoit]

What motor? If the boat is underpowered, going to a B1 may not be the best idea - I assume both the upper and lower are "on their last leg" - make sure you get the appropriate ratio upper for the 1, or you will have a hard time propping the boat - the III uses a deeper gear ratio

 

[BennyC1960]

5.0 MPI 230 HP

 

[BennyC1960]

What motor? If the boat is underpowered, going to a B1 may not be the best idea - I assume both the upper and lower are "on their last leg" - make sure you get the appropriate ratio upper for the 1, or you will have a hard time propping the boat - the III uses a deeper gear ratio

5.0 MPI 230 HP

 

[Scott215]

Following

 

[scoflaw]

I'd say stick with the three it was on there in the beginning for a reason. What exactly is wrong with your old Drive?

 

[BennyC1960]

I'd say stick with the three it was on there in the beginning for a reason. What exactly is wrong with your old Drive?

Skids are heavily corroded. Drive is 20 years old

 

[scoflaw]

How bad is bad? If it's mechanically sound I would consider keeping it

 

[Lazy Daze]

Skids are heavily corroded. Drive is 20 years old

What are "skids"? Explain better and/or post some pics.

You have a 260HP engine, not 230HP.

Regardless, you WILL notice a difference note only in maneuverability but also in your ability to get onto plane. The performance difference from a B3 compared to a single prop is like night and day. The heft of the boat makes it even more noticeable.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Hi All.

2003 Sea Ray 260DA. Currently have Bravo 3 that’s on its last leg. My mechanic suggested getting a Bravo 1 to replace. Says maneuvering may be a bit tougher but cost difference is significant. Anyone make that change? If so do you recommend? Thanks.

We had a single engine 280 with a B3. You will regret going to a B1.

 

[Fill Ess]

I would stick to the B III

Here's an actual B III (rebuilt) for about 4K if you send your existing one as a core

https://outdrivesusa.com/product/merc-bravo-3/

SEI is worth investigating .... but I don't have any experience with their entire units, just parts, which worked out in my case.

 

[Scott215]

I was looking this morning there are used ones out there, some with warranty

 

[JimG]

Your mechanic must have a B1 to sell...

 

[unsalted]

Are the “skids” the plates on the gimbal ring that give the out drive horizontal stability? JR Marine can take your existing gimbal ring and overhaul it. Replacing those plates and trueing up your top pin if you’ve developed a wiggle. They have a kit that lets you do all this without pulling the engine.

 

[Bugsy22]

No way would I ever replace a B3 with a B1 on a boat that size with only 260HP. Not only would it have trouble planing it would be a bear to keep on plane. No enjoyment for the captain or guests.