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.

The 311 is 4 feet bigger and can take some bigger water but other than that very similar.

The kplanes are nice when running rough water, or for leveling the boat when running in a cross wind.

Is the engine compartment of the 311 larger? Easier to work on the engines? I'm spoiled with the room in my PC27 compartment with a pair of 350's ya could hold a dance down there.

The engine compartment on a 311 with trs drives is quite a bit bigger. 311 with bravo drives is way bigger.

I have owned a 272 with twin 320 EFI's and Alpha SS drives...outstanding performer in all respects.My friend Diego had a '89 272 SR1 with twin 454/Bravo I's and with K Planes it was terrific. I currently own a 255 Formula Liberator with strong SBC's and Bravo I's. The 255 is similar in size and weight to the 272 and with 23" Mirage props I rarely use the tabs to plane...power to weight ratio is such that the boat jumps on plane quickly.

All that being said...if you have the BBC/Bravo combo now keep it. If you are looking at an engine swap...strongly consider going to strong SBC's. You will save around 250# in the stern of the boat and Vortec/Roller Cam SBC's you will quickly match or exceed the power and torque of older 454's with the added bonus of having much more working room in the bilge for maintenance. Due to the weight savings I have found that the SBC versions of the 272 are "snappier" and better over all performers than the BBC versions and with today's technology, 400+ HP/400+ # TQ are fairly common while retaining good low speed and "dock manners".

What would be really sweet in a 272 would be a pair of warmed up LS motors !!! LOL

The LS platform is exactly what I would ultimately like to do, the biggest issue has been to find a SBC boat with Bravo's, all the ones I have seen so far have the Alpha 1's, so I feel going this route would have its limitations, another plus for going the BBC route as all boats I've seen are already equipped with Bravo 1's. Either way I would like to install a bolt on EFI for now.