Well, Alphas are a problem, but so are Bravos. How many hours on that Alpha? How much power will that 383 make? My last boat was small block powered, Alpha drive. I built a 354 for it. Made about 400 hp. I stayed on top of drive maintenance, never had a problem with it. I water skiied alot with that boat also. Took it easy getting up on plane, yes, even skiing. If you drive it right, the drive will be ok.
Funny thing, I never broke a drive until I got my Imco SC. But, in fairness to the drive, I have 680 hp now. In my opinion, it still should not have broken.

hey Cap you running on the illinois river? I just noticed your in seneca

My alpha has some time on it but just had marina freind re seal and give it the once over.My boat weighs about 2600lbs.My son, all 85lbs of him,spends most of his time on a tube,wake boad or skis.He pops right out of water,but I do have a freind the is like pulling a log.I still think if I didn't mash the gas it would be okay.Most of my runingis 25-30 mph on IL river.or shelbyville. Ky lake is the roughest water I see, and my boat is to small to go fast in those conditions.I guess I'll keep kicking this around,I still have a few months.

Woody,I'm on the river 4-5 times a week.We go out most days after work and take a few rides on weekends.I'm usually between Seneca and Morris chances are you probably have past me a time or to if you ever been down here.

Ya I bet I have, just do the 383, you won't regret it. I use to drop in at Stratton State Park

I keep leaning toword the 383 I have a hard time deciding.60-80 gal of fuel a week with the 305 was a little pricey.I asume a 383 would have to use more.I drop in on privite ramp by springbrook.My white truck is usually on the ramp when I'm out.

It's only money and you can't take it with you
I am done with Stratton and the idiots that blow by there under the bridge, looking at some of the other really slow, no traffic launches way down river

Seneca has nice public ramp now.Marseilles is nice to but a little busy.I like going to Peru or Springvalley and running all the way to Peoria.NICE day trip 50 odd miles one way.

Will check into it, thanks

I went from a 260/350 to at ???/406 with Brodix, Ultradyne, etc... and changed props to a 27" on my old boat. At crusing speed 30 to 45 mph, fuel consumption dropped due to being able to drive the larger prop. WOT economy was cut in half however.