speed master #3
 

i'm looking at a boat with 600hp engines.
the outdrives are speedmaster #3's.

could someone tell me a little about this type of drives.

how dependable are they?
are parts available?
would you own a boat with this type of equipment?
anything i should look out for before i make a deal on this rig?

i would appreciate any feed back.

thanks,
rnh

A SSM III with 600hp should run a long time. Very dependable.
There are 2 versions III, and IIIA. The III has a 19 spline "small" shaft, the IIIA has a 26 spline big shaft. It can handle a little more hp.
I've heard conflicting reports on parts availability for IIIs, but I've never had any problems getting them fixed. IIIAs should be no problem at all.
The IIIs and early IIIAs had a weaker gimbal design that had a habbit of cracking. Check it out for cracks/repairs on the side about 1/3 of the way from the top. This was mainly in higher hp engines that were run hard. 600hp should not be a problem for the gimbal though.
IMHO, I would prefer a III, IIIA, or V over any version of the Bravo with 600hp.
Gary

I agree with Gary. I'm currently running 800+HP thru #3s (with upgraded prop shafts). No prpblems getting parts or service.

thanks for the advice
rnh