Merc 383 motor (looking to buy)
 

Anyone bought one of these yet. Anything good/bad?
I'm going to need a a pair with ZF or B/W tannys (2.7 or 2.8:1). Who will have the best price?
Gary

Good package.. I may still be able to get a 383 / 350hp however they are supposedly phasing them out to release the new 383 400hp venom this spring.. Which one are you looking for?... :) Jamie / Lakeside Restorations

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The lower hp motos are fine. They're going into a cruiser, so they might actually be preferable to the higher hp motors.
I could use bobtails or a package with reversible transmissions (inboard). I think Merc selld the ZF or BW 5000s in 2.5 or 2.7:1 reduction.
I've seen the bobtils on ebay for the mid $6K range. I would like to get a price with trans.
Gary

I will see what I can come up with for you on monday.. :) Jamie

I have a pair on the shelf, however they are Bravo setups, we could convert them but it would add to the cost. I also have a pair of 2.0 ZF's that I would love to find a home for, do you absolutely need the higher ratio? I'll take a look Monday and see what I could do the packages for.

They're going in a cruiser with chris craft 427 FE motors, 2.5:1 paragons, and 24" 4 blade props. Torque band on the FEs is a flat 400 ft/lbs from 2000 - 4000 rpm. So I would have to prop down quite a bit with a 2.0-1 ratio. That adds nearly $2k to the price. So I would need a REALLY good deal on the trans to be able to use them.
But feel free to email me a price on the motors as is. You can reach me on yah00 under the name rdoact.
Gary

Definetly do the ZF 63A or H. They have less moving parts than the B/W 5000 and have better machining inside.If you do small diesels then you Twin Disc MG-5011 or a little bigger MG-5050.

BTW, the Merc 6.2L inboard package may be the way to go for a cruiser style boat. The Merc 383 works good in single applications in runabouts and medium sized fishing boats(Bravo setup), from what we have seen anyway.

The 383 mag is a nice package. I put one in my Donzi X-18 and have been very pleased so far.

I guy at my former marina put a couple in a cruiser. He was very pleased with the results.

From what I've seen, the torque curve of the 383 is closer to the existing motos, especially in the 2-3k rpm range. And I was trying to avoid repropping costs.
F tans, I've heard only good things about them.
As for diesels, not in the budget.