272 Small Block vs Big Block
 

I have been looking at a few 272 SR1's and hope to make the big plunge soon. I like the BBC/Bravo combo for the power and durability but drawback apparently is the weight for a 27' boat. SBC/Alpha is attractive for relative "economy" and lighter weight plus more room in the engine compartment for work etc. So what is the real deal on the weight for the BBC package? Thanks

I know this topic has been previously discussed, but I need to hear it again and have some good input before I take the plunge.

You will most likely find the Alpha's on the 1987 and earlier models. 1988 and above would have come with the Bravo 1 drives.

The BBC's are quite a bit of weight in the stern for the 272. The 5.7 sbc engines w/ Bravos would be my favorite combo for that boat.

The BBC 272 usually had more options like k planes, mechanical indicators etc. I never had an issue with the weight, boat ran nice. Also they spin 25 pitch props stock and I cruised 50 at 3500. A 350 boat had 21 pitch props and that's not happening.

i have that boat bravo 320 efi small blocks. goes on plane instantly with 23's. feels real light over 60mph. i love it. my engine combo is very rare though

I've driven on a 272 with a 500 EFI and it felt awesome. Heavy and solid, but fast. It's a great boat. But I'd be concerned with the weight of it and a SBC.

It just depends on how fast you want to go.

Mr Maine, yes that is a good point about the options, I have noticed that most BB boats appear to have the K-Planes etc. how would you compare the 272 vs your 311? and Captain YARRR, thats the input I want to hear as I'm drawn to the BB setup, as tight as the engine compartment would be, and I'm not sure about the Alphas on the SBC package. I've worked on the Alphas in another life, am familiar with em so that is a positive but question reliability with a stout SB. I'm on a budget with this project so will most likely install EFI and call it good for awhile, no replacement for displacement.

I agree with tpenfield. The stern is so light with my mercruiser racing 320 efi's (alum intake mpefi, complete alum exgaust and the blocks are 160 lbs lighter each than the big blocks-I NEVER USE THE TRIM TABS. the Bravo drives are stronger than the alphas.

a single 500 efi? You must be talking about a 271 not a 272, right?

Oh yes you're right, it was a 271.

One note about the economy...I just sold my Sunsation with 400 hp 383s. The fuel economy really is marginally different than my 496 HOs.

I have a 1991 272 SR1 with twin 500 hp with Bravo XZ drives, full external steering and K-Planes. The performance is what you would expect, rock stable. Mine have cross overs instead of circulating water pumps to give some additional room in the front. I also have Gil exhaust, so I can remove the risers to access under the rear of the engines. For example, inlet of the oil cooler because a sea water pump impeller vane disappears and you want to ensure it is not blocking the cooler inlet. I have never been in this hull with SBC, but I couldn't go back now after having the BBC. PM me know if there is anything else you need to know.