Labor Costs for Replacing Transom Assembly (Bravo 1)

[GrandMaster]

On my boat Alpha's were only availailable from the factory with twin 4.3L V-6's @ 190HP each.

All other engine combo's included Bravo's

 

[tommyc_37]

357 puts out 325hp, the alpha 1 is rated to handle 300hp.

But this boat used to have a 454 (330 HP, approx?) and it had Alpha. Not saying that was the right configuration, but...

I don't know much at ALL about this stuff...just on a very surface layer. Is powering an outdrive with more HP than it's rated for very bad for the drive?

 

[Bucit]

Yes. It's like a Dodge that keeps blowing it's tranny's.

 

[dlvwill]

It's the torque that kills outdrives. That is one reason why they make different ratios so that the drives can live. What ratio is your Alpha? Anything other than 1.47/1.50 you will have problems for sure.
Look at your load and how you drive it. Heavy loads / full throttle starts will break them when you're at (or above the upper limit) which you are
Mercruiser found out pretty quickly that the 454/Alpha combo was a bad approach for this reason. Your new mechanic is doing a little CYA, he doesn't want to take the call when the Alpha blows up again. It's a tough situation, pay me now or pay me later. If you have the funds get the Bravo and never worry about it again, or stick with Alpha drive it gently and know it's going to have a shorter life. You can do some things to better the odds like getting the upper gear set cyrogenically treated, use the best gear oil you can find, and add a drive shower.

 

[Puma]

It's the torque that kills outdrives. That is one reason why they make different ratios so that the drives can live. What ratio is your Alpha? Anything other than 1.47/1.50 you will have problems for sure.
Look at your load and how you drive it. Heavy loads / full throttle starts will break them when you're at (or above the upper limit) which you are
Mercruiser found out pretty quickly that the 454/Alpha combo was a bad approach for this reason. Your new mechanic is doing a little CYA, he doesn't want to take the call when the Alpha blows up again. It's a tough situation, pay me now or pay me later. If you have the funds get the Bravo and never worry about it again, or stick with Alpha drive it gently and know it's going to have a shorter life. You can do some things to better the odds like getting the upper gear set cyrogenically treated, use the best gear oil you can find, and add a drive shower.

IMHO, get an SEI outdrive and stop spending money on blown units. You might blow that up too, but, at least you have 3 years of "cost free" boating. If you decide to stay with the Alpha, I'd second the recommendation of getting a drive shower installed and change the gear oil often if you're running it hard.

 

[dicor]

IMHO, get an SEI outdrive and stop spending money on blown units. You might blow that up too, but, at least you have 3 years of "cost free" boating. If you decide to stay with the Alpha, I'd second the recommendation of getting a drive shower installed and change the gear oil often if you're running it hard.

I'd be happy to have 3 hours of "cost free boating". :smt101

 

[tommyc_37]

So my mechanic will install a Bravo 1 outdrive this week/next. Fun times $$$ I'm told that the Bravo will increase the overall speed and overall fuel efficiency of my vessel.

 

[mistercomputerman]

I'd be happy to have 3 hours of "cost free boating". :smt101

 

[garryowen]

I'd be happy to have 3 hours of "cost free boating". :smt101

you will be happy with the bravo drive

i swapped from a alpha to a B III. i didn't see a lot of difference in speed or mpg. the b-3 turns quicker get on plane quicker and is easier to back.

will be interesting to hear you comments on your bravo. is it a 1 or 2?

will be surprised if you do. if any thing alpha is lighter and less wetted surface, so performance wise, would think alpha would be better.