I have a 2000 7.4 with a bravo III that was replaced with a new stern drive (newer stlye with slope top) two years ago. With ~ 200 hrs on the drive it got stuck in forward when I decelerated from~ 50 mph to 5 approaching a marina. I pulled the drive to find two chipped teeth in the forward gear and the clutch weld in forward. When I pulled the drive gears and shaft there were needles missing from the lower drive gear bearing, obvious metal fragments, and wear on the upper end of the vertical drive shaft (from gearcase) coupler. Based on the filings in the bearings I'm looking at a complete rebuild or just replacing with new. My questions are:

1)Has anyone heard of the bravo III having issues like this? (my first drive had ~ 1,000 hrs before I hit a sand bar and had to replace it)

2) Any comments on a CPO drive (supposed to be new)?

3) Is the old square top design stronger than the newer slope top design or visa versa? Or strictly cosmetic with an additional anode???

4) Any comments on what to look out for? On what to and/or what not to buy???

Thanks for any input.

I think the cpo is certified pre owned from mercury

There is a place in Missouri that is a marine salvage yard but does have new takeoffs it is called F And A Marine 573-346-4556 might have what you need, cant hurt to make a phone call anyway

Bought 2 new Alpha drives this spring, 1 brand new, other a CPO. Was told the CPO units are new, never used, but get returned to Merc for 1 reason or another, such as shop closing up??? and get new serial numbers assigned to them. Don't know why since the numbers are still assigned to only 1 drive. Either way, both have exact same warranty, came with all the installation gaskets and hardware, original Merc shipping box and can't tell 1 from the other. Just my experience and info given to me.