1994 MerCruiser 7.4L / Bravo 3 26' Envision

[j5wentworth]

I'm looking for a little insight and guidance on a used boat that I am strongly considering purchasing. It's a 1994 26' Envision P'Zazz with the MerCrusier 7.4L NA + Bravo 3 sterndrive. Has 550 meter hours. This boat is pretty much spotless inside, outside, and the trailer. I'm returning in two days to muff test it, but wanted to get as much insight as possible.

Until this boat, I've never heard of Envision. Suffice it to say, it appears to be of the same build quality as a PowerQuest or Baja but I'm not familiar with their hulls. I'm primarily concerned with a nearly 30 yo engine / sterndrive that I cannot lake test. I've owned a 5.7L Mercruiser Alpha One in a 97 Sea Ray 210 and it ran well, no issues.

Specific to the 7.4 L of that era, are they generally considered well built engines / sterndrives? What common issues would I be likely to run into? I'm prepared for a bellows / gimble / shift linkage repair, but hoping it's a non-issue. Not quite sure how to check those. Any pointers would be appreciated! I called a few local dealers and they don't service anything beyond 20 yrs.

Pics of the actual boat / unit

Thanks!

 

[itsathepete]

Water test is the best test. Why can't you?

 

[itsathepete]

I would say that engine/drive combo is very reliable with good maintenance. A carbureted big block is very simple if you have some knowledge. Bravo drive is very dependable.
Obviously, make sure no water is getting in oil, all cylinders firing, runs smoothly throughout rev range, no leaks, etc.
Make sure no water in sterndrive. You can crack the bottom plug and check for milky oil. Make sure it shifts in and out of gear smoothly without opening throttle until fully in gear. Check steering and trim. Trim buttons should lower to bottom of gauge and raise a little. Trailer button will raise fully. If you have a timing light, check ignition timing and make sure it advances properly. Looks like it's been stored indoors, shouldn't have water in gas, but you should expect to do a full service including fluid and filter changes.
Driveshaft bellows can't check until in water. Grease the gimbal and listen for a roaring sound if it's bad.

 

[San_Diego_SeaRay]

One thing I would point out is that the exhaust elbows have caps on them indicating that someone converted this from the "old" style thermostat housing w. overflow check valves to the "new" style housing w/o check valves.

Someone more experienced than me can comment on whether or not this was something Mercruiser did as OEM (did Merc have an "intermediate" period around mid 90's where they used caps instead of the new elbow style?) and, if not, whether those caps are a potential problem as a failure point.

 

[alldodge]

The 7.4 is a good motor and like all of them if it was taken care of. Looks just like the one in my 1995 Rinker I just sold. That's the way the exhaust elbows were, nothing I can see of being changed

The drive also looks original, has a 2 piece upper ventilation plate

 

[j5wentworth]

Water test is the best test. Why can't you?

I'm pushing for it, owners are an older couple and not in the greatest position to do it. We'll see...

 

[Scott Danforth]

When the boat was new, the motors were great. Now it will be purely dependent on the maintenance received.

Being a 1994, they are Gen V motors

 

[tpenfield]

Envision boats are a performance boat, but fairly spartan as compared to a Fountain or a Formula. Probably most similar to a Baja, which are pretty basic. I'm not sure on the construction, but check the structure for signs of rot or other issues.

The engines are the GM 454 Gen 5. As noted they have only one hose route for the exhaust cooling, so any restrictions in the exhaust/elbow joint may cause over heating. If the boat has been in fresh water its entire life, then it may be fine. If salt water, then it may have lots of internal rust/scaling.

The outdrive is the first generation of the Bravo 3. If the anodes have not been kept up, look it over good for corrosion.

A water test will be good, as it reveals a lot about the boat and engine.

 

[j5wentworth]

Thanks everyone for the good responses, I'll update with my decision!

 

[itsathepete]

I believe the roller cams did not appear until Gen VI so you may have a flat tappet cam. If so, make sure you use motor oil with at least 1200ppm zinc

 

[tpenfield]

I believe the roller cams did not appear until Gen VI so you may have a flat tappet cam. If so, make sure you use motor oil with at least 1200ppm zinc

Yes, my recollection is that the Gen 6 were preferred over the Gen 5, the roller cam being one of the reasons.