454's with Alpha 1's?

[Apathetic]

Hi,

About three or four weeks ago I found a 1987 Scarab III that I absolutely loved. Overall, the condition was very good and the survey was a positive, too, as far as structure.

The thing that eventually made me walk away was that the 454's were backed up with Alpha 1's.

My question to you is, was I correct in being concerned about the Alpha 1's or was I overly concerned? I won't be modding the boat to make much more power than it currently has. But I've always believed that Alpha 1's were really only good to 300 hp and not much more than that. Was I wrong? The broker, of course, said I was wrong and that the Alpha I's had never broken yet so they are fine. He also claimed that due to their being twin drives they were under less stress.

If I am wrong, I'd really like to re-visit this boat and probably bring it home.

Thanks for all advice and information you can give me.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 454's with Alpha 1's?

Ayuh,............

You were Right the 1st time..........

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: 454's with Alpha 1's?

Alpha's and BB combo's are the pinto's of the boat world. There was nothing wrong with them when they were just parts but once put together they both are just waiting to explode.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 454's with Alpha 1's?

Mercruiser stopped putting Alphas behind the 454 for a reason.

It doesn't matter whether there's 1 or 2, The holeshot torque is the same.

You were right to walk away when there's lot's of other boat choices out there in Waterworld!!


Cheers,


Rick

 

[EricR]

Re: 454's with Alpha 1's?

I recall in a MerCruiser school being told they only used the Alpha 1 behind the 454 in '87. Probably could not get the Bravo drives delivered in time to put packages together to customers.