Bravo 3 latest and greatest updates

B

B.matt

Seaman
Joined
Jul 27, 2009
Messages
54
I am purchasing a 98 Sea Ray Sundancer with a 454 and bravo 3 drive. I know Bravo 3 where known for corrosion. I have read about checking the continuity wires and mercathode need to be tested. I was told they don't need the zinc on the prop shaft any more (is this true). I was also told it will corrode in a couple of years no matter what (don't really believe that). So this is why I ask whats the latest and greatest with Bravo 3 drives? Also anything i need to know about the 454?

Thanks
 
H

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: Bravo 3 latest and greatest updates

B.matt said:
I am purchasing a 98 Sea Ray Sundancer with a 454 and bravo 3 drive. I know Bravo 3 where known for corrosion. I have read about checking the continuity wires and mercathode need to be tested. I was told they don't need the zinc on the prop shaft any more (is this true). I was also told it will corrode in a couple of years no matter what (don't really believe that). So this is why I ask whats the latest and greatest with Bravo 3 drives? Also anything i need to know about the 454?

Thanks
Click to expand...
Howdy,

I have basically the same thing (97 model B3/454) in my 87 Four Winns. you might want do some research on the Bravo III .

Most of the corrosion issues were related to not setting up the MERCATHODE system properly....... According to the OEM Merc Service bulletin on this subject, There is a very specific process to set one up and in some unique cases, sometimes 2 separate MERCATHODE systems are needed .

My Bravo3 doesn't have a zinc on the propshaft but newer ones do I think. I don't know what year they were added.

I store mine in the garage and I do not operate in salt water. If you are going to store yours in salt or brackish water it's VERY important to get the anti-corrosion system set up right.

The 454 is a discontinued engine but there's nothing wrong with them.

I went from a single-prop King Cobra drive with nearly the same HP to the Bravo III. The difference (improvement) was nothing short of spectacular (the top speed was slightly less....3 mph)

Regards,

Rick
 
tpenfield

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,140
Re: Bravo 3 latest and greatest updates

B.matt said:
I am purchasing a 98 Sea Ray Sundancer with a 454 and bravo 3 drive. I know Bravo 3 where known for corrosion. I have read about checking the continuity wires and mercathode need to be tested. I was told they don't need the zinc on the prop shaft any more (is this true). I was also told it will corrode in a couple of years no matter what (don't really believe that). So this is why I ask whats the latest and greatest with Bravo 3 drives? Also anything i need to know about the 454?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I got a 1996 B3 that has been in fresh water and it looks like craap. A buddy of mine has a 1996 B3, keeps it in salt water and the thing looks perfect :facepalm:

I would definitely put the prop anode on and make sure the Mercathode is working properly and make sure all of your continuity wires on the outdrive are connected, etc.
 
M

MarkSee

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
1,172
Re: Bravo 3 latest and greatest updates

B.matt said:
I am purchasing a 98 Sea Ray Sundancer with a 454 and bravo 3 drive. Also anything i need to know about the 454?
Click to expand...

Which model Sea Ray ya' getting there?

Our 2001 270 'Dancer we purchased in 09/10 and is now kept on a trailer, we bought it from the original owner who had it in a slip in San Diego (salt water) its entire life before we bought it.

Ours does not have the prop anode either and as far as I know the Mercathode system is working; did not think to figure out how to check if it is or not.

As far as corrosion, when I had the drive off replacing the upper shaft seal that had failed leaking water into the bellows I decided to go ahead and replace the lower bearing carrier as that did look like it was corroded but was not leaking any fluid. That's not a cheap part and needed another tool but seemed better to do it now before it did leak.

As the others indicated, the 454/B3 is great match on cruisers of this size and with trim tabs to adjust for sea conditions makes for a fun/fast ride when plowin' through the Pacific.

Mark
 
H

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: Bravo 3 latest and greatest updates

tpenfield said:
I got a 1996 B3 that has been in fresh water and it looks like craap. A buddy of mine has a 1996 B3, keeps it in salt water and the thing looks perfect :facepalm:

I would definitely put the prop anode on and manke sure the Mercathode is working properly and make sure all of your continuity wires on the outdrive are connected, etc.
Click to expand...

I am not absolutely sure the newer prop shaft "zinc" will go on an older Bravo III....... I haven't tried it. Maybe someone here has?

Getting the Mercathode set up properly is of the utmost importance though....

If they're set up wrong, they can actually cause VERY RAPID corrosion. MUCH faster than without it at all.
 
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