Alpha1 to Bravo 1?
 

To change a boat from having an Alpha1 to a Bravo 1 What would be a parts list and how do you go about this procedure? Thanks in advance, 88

Well to start with you'll need a complete Bravo transom assembly. When I was considering this swap an expert recommended that I buy a new transom assembly, because there are just to many potential problems with the old ones. You will also need to add a bravo style raw water pump, and all the associated plumbing. That's as far as I got before I decided to work with the Alpha. I'm sure others can add to the list.

Some are quick to dismiss the alpha, but there seem to be just as many that have had good luck with them behind moderate power.

Mach 1, what kind of power are you running? Big block? If yes, going to a bravo will be a good step towards reliability. I had a big block/alpha in my 87 24 Baja. Blew it up twice and then bought a used bravo assembly. It really is an easy change. Start by pulling the motor. Then add two bolt holes thru the transom (the bravo has two more mounting bolts than the alpha), the raw water pump (and possibly a new crank pully if yours doesn't have the correct number of slots), some easy enough plumbing.

The x dimensions are the same for the bravo and the alpha, but the bravo has more hydrodynamic drag, so they tend to run a mph or two less.

If you're running a small block, leave the alpha on the boat. If you're running a big block, the torque will eventually eat your alpha, especially on a heavy boat like yours (and mine!!).

Mike

Waterfoul, This post is about another boat that I'm looking to buy. It has a small block with a blower and the mechanic who has tuned it said he's had it to 80 mph and that the Alpha isn't going to hold together much longer. Sounds like this would be an easy change according to your post. Thanks, 88

you need a complete bravo setup drive: transom assemblie and inner transom plate, mounting kit and to modify your shift bracket.

You will also need to geta hold of a bravo mounting templte it will make drilling the two extra top mounting holes very easy.

Youhave to pul teh aplha drive, then pull your engine. Once your engien bay is clear disconenct all sterrign componets frmo eth inner transom plate. Un-bolt eth transom aseemblie from insid eth boat and yank it off the boat. Then drill you 2 new holes and do the above steps in reverse. Its time consumgin and requires alot of iron to be move but essentially its apretty easy task.

Buy a different boat ;)

Sometimes it's hard to take hime seriously with that big happy starfish avatar :D but in general Cigarette1 is probably right.

When you start adding up all the costs to repower an alpha boat you can probably find a better deal on a Bravo boat.

Which model Mach 1 are you running now?

olysan & cigarette1 are right.
Even if you REALLY love the boat now, you'll hate it after the conversion drains your wallet and nickle and dimes you to death. Then after it's all done you'll probably find out the engine is so tired, it needs a rebuild.
Oh yeah, dont forget to add little things like rigging, water pump, exhaust, etc. and all the other little stuff that may have to be changed.
Gary

Do a search on this forum, and also General Discussion for "Bravo swap" or something like that, and you will turn up a wealth of info on the subject. If you like the boat enough, go for it. Pulling the engine is probably the biggest obstacle. There should be no necessary changes to the exhaust, and yes, you will have to modify your shift lever bracket, but that part only costs about six bucks. Regular Bravos are getting cheaper, since a lot of the big guns are going to XR's, BMax, etc. Check with Chris Martin at Stern Drive Specialists in Central Square, NY. He gave me a good deal on a late model Bravo and transom assembly - sold me everything I needed for $3200, and he stands behind his product. Hell, I still managed to get close to $2000 for my Alpha and transom assembly. Of course, I also had a little help with the funding, courtesy of my insurance company! :D Maybe you need to take the boat out and find a big log to whack!! :eek:

Yes, I have taken the cost into consideration. I really like the look of the boat, nice lines. Well now more figuring on what to do. Thanks for the replys, 88

olysan, I'm running a 1988 27' Mach 1 Concorde. You can see pics on the site, just search under user name 88 Mach 1