INFO NEEDED.....Merc "R" drive assembly to a Bravo HD How Too
 

OK, some of you may know I purchased the brown 1980 24SE from NH. This boat was an incredible find and is 100% completely original. It pains me to take it apart, so I am collecting the pieces to convert it to a Bravo set up. I will be replacing the small block 260 with a BBC and bravo set up.

My question is how difficult is the swap from the Merc pre-alpha transom assy. to a bravo HD set up?

I am doing the swap in my own shop once all the parts are collected.....do I need to fill and redrill the transom? I know I will have to fill and relocate the exhaust, but uncertain on the transom.....

Thanks for all your help.....

Jake1250

Not unless you want to change the x-dimension. all your going to need to do is drill 2 more holes, the cutout is the same.

Sounds great.....I guess the alternative to raising the X dimension is to run a shorter lower?

Is the transom cutout the same on the earlier R drives versus the later alphas?

Yes they have the same cutout. Like phragle said just drill 2 holes, and if the x is real deep get a shorty lower.

great...thanks for the advice.....Im collecting all the pieces so I can do it all at once....Engine is being built now.....

I think the steering cable attachment/steering is slightly different. You will need a bravo power steering unit too.

Thanks. This will be a complete job motor, steering , drive tabs, etc....advice appreciated .....always been an outboard guy.

Jake1250

Go with external hydraulic steering if you plan on running fast.

Already have the Mayfair Steering ....little Xmas present to myself. Thinking about the Mayfair tabs next

Jake I'm not trying to be negative but a boat of that age has a big chance of having some rot in the transom and stringers . My 79 I thought was solid and pulled the TRS out for a bravo swap and started chasing rot . Just plan for the worst and hope for the best and you'll be ready to handle anything that is thrown at you .

Easy swap as said. Rot might be a problem.

Thanks....its been a concern, so far i havent seen any evidence of rot however the boat isnt apart yet....I had a surveyer do a moisture test and I check it regularly since its kept in a temp controlled building and there is no moisture so far....keeping fingers crossed.....

This will be a lengthy build since Im casually collecting the pieces so I dont have to have the boat apart for too long once we start to switch over. The boat runs flawless right now with the 260...around 50-55mph.....nice little cruiser,patience is hard!

Jake1250

for those that dont know the boat, it was shed kept since new with very few hours...395 to be exact.....the boat is close to original and in flawless condition.....