Bravo III vs. Alpha I
 

I'm in the process of purchasing a new boat (22 foot sea ray), and am trying to decide between the two drives, for a 350 mag 300 hp mercruiser engine. I've been told that the bravo III is better out of the hole, but I give up top-end speed (about 4-8 mph). Also, I've been told if I switch to a 5 blade stainless prop on the alpha drive, I get pretty much the same out-of hole performanace as the bravo III, but don't give up top end speed. Seems like the Alpha I with the 5 blade is the best of all worlds, but what am I missing, if anything here? Also was told bravo III is more complex, and more $$$ to repair if run aground... we plan on a lot of skiing, wakeboarding, etc, so want good out-of hole performance - I think with either drive, the 350 mag in a boat that size is going to give us plenty anyway (thoughts on that welcome as well), just not sure on which drive - I'd prefer not to give up too much top end. - any thoughts/suggestions on this?

Only other thing I've heard is that 300 hp is really top limit to push through an alpha drive, esp. if doing a lot of skiing/boarding.

Why not a Bravo 1 with a 4 or 5 blade?

Bravo I has not been mentioned as an option by the dealer... "options sheet" shows only alpha I or bravo IIII...

Curious on thoughts on the bravo I, but in the event that I can't get that way, still VERY interested in comparision between BIII and AI...

The Merc 350 mag package comes with Alpha 1, Bravo 1,2 or 3. I'm sure the dealer can offer you a B1 if you talk to him.
I wouldn't chose the Alpha if you're planning for a lot of skiing since agressive hole shots is one of the best ways to kill a stern drive.
The Alpha will probably last for many years, but I wouldn't take the chance.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/mercr...ive_engine.asp

Sea Ray's buyers aren't typically the "Bravo I" crowd, which is why they don't list it as an option. I agree that a Bravo I with a 4-blade is probably your best all-around bet.

However, if you're limited to A1/BIII, it's a tough call. The BIII will give you better holeshot than an A1 (or B1) with any prop. You will give up some top speed with an A1/B1 and a 4/5 blade prop, but probably not as much as a BIII. The A1 "clunks" when you shift it, which is annoying, but it has proven to be a reliable drive. The BIII is the hottest running drive in the Mercury lineup, and their reliability has not been the best as a result. They can be a real pain in the a$$ sometimes. The BIII props are mega-bucks if you bend one, but it will be a plus at resale time.

If you are going to be a hard core skier, I'd say go with the BIII and add a drive shower to keep things cool, assuming you cannot get a B1.

Any truth to the thought that 300 hp is top limit or too much HP for an Alpha Drive?

In some boats the Bravo III will not sacrifice any top end, especially under 60 mph. It depends on the hull. Sometimes the Bravo III will get more lift and more hull out of the water and compensate for the extra mass of the outdrive in the water. If you are going to use your boat primarily for skiing and want the extra control around docks and while loading on your trailer in windy conditions or with a swift current, then get the Bravo III. If you plan on doing some modification and adding more HP later, go with the Bravo I. If you want to save some money and want a drive that has proven to be dependable at 300 hp and under go with the Alpha.

Why only a small block in that boat. It will be a slug! I used to be a service manager for a sea ray dealer, so I speak from experience. If you have to stick with a small block, i would suggest the 6.2 with B3, but is you must have the 350, still, the b3 is the only way to go for your situation.

interesting point, shameless... what engine would you suggest? the 6.2 is the largest engine Sea Ray lists as "available" for that boat, although I'm sure I could talk to the dealer about a custom order....

http://www.searay.com/index.asp?disp...qtype=1,8,9,19

i;d say ther eis no question here go for the bravo. Its a tougher drive, period. As such it will be more reliable in the long run.

AND if you wanted to us e bravo one, you coudl sell an alomsyt brand new bravo 3, get enough $$$ for a bravo one and just bult it right up no questions asked.

My baot came with a BBC and an alpha even with the 330 i was convinced i was gonan puke teh drive everytime i took the boat. out. I converted a bravo (the engien has to be removed to go from alpha to bravo, where as b3 to b1 is as simple as taking off 6 bolts) and now i can enjoy my baot without constantly worrying abotu reliability issues.

What everyone has said, but I think you will enjoy it more with the B3. No torque reaction, especial on acceleration and you will be doing lot's of that while skiing. Also will stay on plane at lower RPM which you might need. I think the 350 Mag will be fine, but if the 6.2 is in your budget go for it.

I have been away from Sea Ray for a couple of years, but I am surprised you can't get the 375 hp 496 as an option. I wonder if it is for room??? I currently have the 6.2, and it is an awesome motor. The 6.2 is well worth the money over the 350. Technology is up to date as well being a GM vortec motor. The 6.2 is not the same as the 6.0 that comes in GM trucks. It is a stroked 350. If it was me, my preferance leans towards the Bravo 1 with a 4 blade Bravo prop or the new Hydromotive Q4-X. All your concerns about the B3 are correct. If you boat in a shallow area and tand to scrape the skeg or nick up the props, it is costly to repair, and worse yet, if you really hit something and damage the gears, you better be sitting down when you get the reapir costs. If you get the B3, you only have one prop choice. If you get the B1, you have many more choices for props. The B3 will have no torqe feel and backing up ability is awesome with the B3 as well. On average, it is about 3-4 mph slower than a B1. In my opion, because Sea Ray sets their X-dimension so deep, if you go with the B1 and a 4 bladed prop, will will be very happy with skiing ability and cruising efficiancy and will be a litle ahead on the top end as well.

In your application, the B3 will have EVERY advantage over an Alpha except for prop repair cost. Supposedly the new cupped props for the B3 are even better. Small V8s or V6s or heavy boats is where this drive really shines. Most fast big blocks wont like it as it produces alot of stern lift , slowing a faster hull down....not to mention the added drag that comes into play @ 60-65 mph. In your case, you will love the B3 if you're not boating around a bunch of underwater obstacles.