SSM drives? Good or bad? Discontinued?
 

Im trying to learn as much as possible before I purchase my first boat (its getting real close).
My question is are #3's discontinued? (I know they are I would just like confirmation please)

Are parts for 3's really that hard to get a hold of?
I understand that #3a's took their place are these still mfg.?
Are 3's and 3a's interchagable? if they are to what extent?

#5's where reintroduced just recently correct?
#6's arent going do be discontinued anytime soon right?

How come www.mercurymarine.com no longer has SSM info on their website?

Are 3's better then Bravos?
Everything I have read about Bravo drives has not been good seems like they are always being rebuilt but when I run a search on SSM's no one is ever saying they need to rebuild them. Also all the boats for sale always say rebuilt Bravos but the ones equiped with SSM have no mention of it. And also I have read things like "dont forget your Bravo fund."

Then I see that persons have spent money for new and more power but they keep their bravos.??? This is more of an observation then question.

Im just a little confused your help is appreciated.

Im gonna be running in the Gulf.
The boat that Im almost positive that I want has 3's on it.

Re: SSM drives? Good or bad? Discontinued?
 

The Merc RACING website lists IIIa,s...Vs....VIs.....
V is a short 3a......Dont know if a 3a will bolt to a 3 transom ?
And YES....They are WAY stronger than a Bravo...Heavy & need a seperate Trans to

Re: SSM drives? Good or bad? Discontinued?
 

under"mercury racing" oh. thanks

Re: SSM drives? Good or bad? Discontinued?
 

Here is a link to the info on the SSM's.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/drives4

Re: SSM drives? Good or bad? Discontinued?
 

Thanks guys I was looking under the "drives" and was like where the hell is the SSM specs!? Coupled w/ my minimal knowledge of powerboats I was a little lost....kinda amusing.... :D
Allot of knowledgeable persons here and I think I will benefit from that a great deal when its finally time to pull the trigger on a purchase.

Re: SSM drives? Good or bad? Discontinued?
 

A IIIa wil bolt to a III transom.
Avoid IIs, IIIs, and IVs. Parts are getting hard to find. IIIa, V and VI parts shouldn't be a problem for many years.
Gary