Does anyone know how the old Mercruiser III (not Bravo) transom cutout compare with Bravo drives? I'm wondering if, and when, I replace my Mercruiser III a bravo conversion is possible without major transom work. Any other alternatives? Thanks.

...powered by single Mark-4 454 built to ~460hp.

Are you talking about a SSM III? I've never heard of the Mercruiser III. If it is a SSM III, cutout is different. Same goes with the trs. I'm no expert, but thats what i know. Maybe someone here with a little more info.

no, not SSM III... talking about old school Mercruiser III. Been in use on this application for 34 years or so. Getting hard to find parts.

Pre MR drive? Is it basicly like a alpha drive with a clutch dog in the lower for shifting?

Pre-MR - yes I'm pretty sure. No clutch - uses borg warner 73c tranny.

If your talking about the Pre-Alpha drive like like MR or 888,898 ect, I can tell you first hand that ALL the alpha's and pre alpha's take the same cutout as the bravo. I have an older boat 1980 formula that came with the alpha MR drive and I re-glassed the transom to raise the X-dimension and installed a bravo transom gimbel assm. I used the mercruiser outdrive cut out wich is the same for bravo's you only have to drill 2 more holes to mount a bravo drive.

Ok great info. I'm not sure if it is pre-MR or not. I don't have access to the numbers right now. Thanks!

Totally different transom cut out than the Alpha/Bravo cut.

If you don't want to re-rig the boat and the Merc III gimbal is intact, Konrad Marine has a direct bolt-on replacement drive for that unit.

Shoot me an email if interested in more info.

[email protected]

Great. When the time comes - I'll call you. Its still going strong right now, but who knows what tomorrow brings with it's age and all.

Thanks!