Bravo 3
 

I have a Bravo 3 drive with 2 anodes on the cavitation plate. I heard that this is the newer drive. I was wondering what years the newer drive incorporates. My boat is a 97, and I feel that my drive has not been changed. Would that still be the newer drive?

I don't know if it's of any help but I have a 99-2000 B3 and it has the U shaped anode at the front , the flat anode that would go where the old torque tab fits and an anode on each trim ram . I believe that after 2000 or so it was more common to see anodes on the prop shaft as well .

2 anodes on the cavitation plate would be a newer than '97 drive. My '99 drives did not have 2. My '04 drive does along with the propshaft anode.

Correct. 2 cavitation plate anodes and prop shaft anode are the tell tales of the newer lower unit

Just an FYI, they have different ones for salt water, and fresh water applications in case you never noticed.

Change was 03 to 04 I believe. Anything with 2 on the cav plate and with a propshaft zinc will be that vintage or newer.

We have a 2000 Cobalt 226 with a Bravo 3 - it only has one round anode

May I suggest that you get the serial number call Mercury and find out what you have.

Good luck

3pointstar

Serial #
 

Where would I find the serial #? I would like to call Merc. and get a better understanding of what I have. Thanks

Its always good to know what you have, and that said you do have the newer style lower. If the complete drive is bought direct from Merc then it will have a S/N on the upper half. If the upper and lower were purchased separate, then there would be no S/N. I have a 2016 B3 lower sitting on a dolly and it to has 2 anodes and no S/N because of an XR upper and B3 lower. If you were going to rebuild I would suggest manual 28.

The drive was not made in 97 so you have a newer style lower, and just wonder why you want to know the exact year, because they are pretty much the same now?

Bravo 3
 

I didn't really need to know the year. I heard that some have 1 anode, some have 2 anodes. Mine being the later.I did not know of a drive change on my boat before I got it. But if the boat is a 97, and drives w/ 2 anodes were after that. Than there was a change. I have significant pitting on just my lower, what is the best course of action?

Most the pitting comes from the two stainless steel props, boat being left in the water and plugged into shore power. The Mercathode helps but with the B3 there is just to much stainless attached. An additional Mercathode can be attached or just don't leave it in the water. Before I got my lift it was just part of winterization to repaint the drive