Looking at a boat with a 350 merc and a blower. How dependable is a boat with a blower? can you just enjoy the day on the water or do you have to make carb adjustments and jet changes often? Never ran a blower on a boat or a car, so any help is apperciated. Thanks in advance, 88

Only need jetting changes at the extremes of temperature ranges - if you run a lot in 50 degree weather AND a lot in 100 degree weather, your should have (2) setups. If you just boat in 70-100 degree weather, one set of jets should be fine.

You will need to run 92 octane gas.
You will need to know what your static timing is set at so you wont accidentally set the timing to stock specs.

Dependability?
If you have it set up properly as far as boost level, timing, and jetting that matches up to the fuel you plan to run, then they are more reliable than you would think.

As with anything, excessive rpm, overheating, high oil temperatures, and all other things that affect a regular motor will affect a blower motor.

Sad part is, many bolt on a blower and crank her up without having a good motor to start with.

It would be worth your money to have a reputable performance marine expert check out the motor before you buy it.

you gotta be careful in some aspects,little chevys like to bend rods,the valves in the heads are a nickel stock type valve and they love to break,you really need to find out what was done to the engine,and like McColliston said,know your runnin specs......need to school yourself up.....

If it's running and Alpha drive, forget it. It probably wont hold up.
Gary

I ran a 22' Stingray with a 030 over 350 alum heads and a B&M 144 blower on an Alpha drive for 150 hours no problems. That setup ran 72 MPH. It was fun. Your getting at least $3000 worth of extra performance parts on that boat. Most likely its dialed in if its installed already. You should be fine. Just make it a practice of not hammering the drive with full throttle low speed bursts, and I wouldnt run around for extended periods of time at full throttlle. Just bring it up to speed long enough to beat the other guy and back off to your cruise speed. Also be extra careful if your boat is loaded really heavy. Greg

I agree with Offshore Addiction and mcollinstn. If you can give more details about your motor and drive, people here can help.
You need to find someone in your area if you can to help educate you but it isn't hard and blowers are fun!!!! I don't know where you are, but someone on this board can probably help. If you will post, you will get some good info!!!!

more details on the engine interals a biuld and dyno sheet perhaps?

also if it has an alph ai woudl eiteh rstay away or plan on installign abravo. Its actually pretty easy to do but the engein does need to come out.

even if tehalpha with hold eth power you are better off upgrading. I had an alpha and a 454 and verytiem i ran they boat an dgoosed it i though i ws abotu to have an expesive afternoon. For piece of mind it worth the upgrade. Plus you can sell eth alpha and almost cover the cost of a bravo if you do eth install yourself.

Thanks for all the replys. Still trying to get more info on the boat. I like the boat looks sharp just don't want a lot of problems. So far it's a B&M blower, roller cam, holley carb,flat top pistons. Trying to get a hold of the mechanic that works on the boat for the owner. As for the drive, haven't been told what it is but assuming a Alpha do to the owner saying the mechanic said there is too much HP and torque for the drive. When I get more info I'll post it, I'd even remove the blower if the engine would run with out it with minimal changes. Just would like nice days on the water without spending all day under the hatch.....Thanks again, 88

Yes, the engine and blower are all dialed in, yes it's an Alpha drive, Guess that will have to be changed out. Kinda still on the fence about this boat. Looking for a rental car company to let me rent a pick up one way with a hitch, having no luck. Later, 88