Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

I would stay clear of it with the alphas. heavy boat + big block power = alpha killers.

I had a baja force 265 with 350 mags and alphas, i was always easy out of the hole and didnt air it out, and never had a problem, but the torque of those bbc's are going to kill the alphas.

Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

I hear y'all, I'm just wondering how this boat can still have Alphas on it, if they are so prone to blow up? SHould already have happened in the last 15 years, and upgraded. Just a thought.
Sounds like I'm trying to justify this purchase, don't it!

Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

Thats true. I just know Im hard on them, and need something thats going to hold up. drives blow up enough as it is, definately dont want to push the envelope.

some people run 800hp on bravos, thats probably a close comparison to the alphas and 454's.

Hold out, something better will come along. Ive got a 98 29' outlaw with 454's and bravos for not too much more money! Its a buyers market.

Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

Something is not right...The BBC/Alpha was a 87 year F-up..
There may be a few 86s or 88s...But 89 ?....No
Was it a SB boat somebody converted ?...Something ??

Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

That may be true too, because wasnt it a 330hp 454 with the alpha, not the 365hp?

Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

Not sure ?....I have never seen a "Magnum" Alpha but..??

Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

The boat was made in Canada. A limited production deal. Maybe they bought the engine packages in '87/8 and sold the boat with new title as '89?

BajaRunner...I'd been looking into Sutphen's 26 for sometime, but I am thinking something a little bigger would suit my needs better. A Baja 29/30 OL would be my choice, but I gotta be in under $30k to keep wife happy.

Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

Theres a guy I know ...... 87 32 Pachanga......454 "magnums" (says so right on the flame arresters) alphas.....he says their 365hp....Im thinking their 330s.......anyway has had the boat for years......bought it 2 yrs old I think.......nothing more than normal maint, no problems......."go easy getting on plane....then hit it!!!" is his motto......although Id sooner have the Bravos......for the right price.......

Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

FYI
86 and 87 merc made the bb/alpha combo. Late 87 went to early Bravo or early 88.
In 86/87 they called it the magnum but was a 330 hp 2 bolt peanut head rochester carb. I purchased Wellcraft Nova xl brand new with above combo. Sold earlier this year, had for 18 years.

Re: What model drive? Alpha or Bravo
 

If you like the boat,buy it!If the drives have been on there 15 years it must work plus alphas are so cheap if it ever brakes you could get another! looks like a fun family boat !