Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

[JP Fla]

Looking to buy a 2002 Wellcraft with a 5.0/Bravo III. I've heard that the B-III's had a big problem with a cooling line from the outdrive to the engine corroding, therfore requiring the replacement of the transom assembly. Any information on this issue??

 

[Don S]

Re: Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

I think you heard wrong.

"I've Heard" happens a lot around here.

Can you supply some info about Who, What, Why, When, and Where you "HEARD" this info?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

Looking to buy a 2002 Wellcraft with a 5.0/Bravo III. I've heard that the B-III's had a big problem with a cooling line from the outdrive to the engine corroding, therfore requiring the replacement of the transom assembly. Any information on this issue??

I think DonS is right (as usual )


I'm not sure you have accurate info....

The "line" you speak of (#15 below) is a rubber hose.....It goes to a plastic fitting (#20) Which then has a rubber/composite hose to the Raw water pump housing (which is usually plastic too)

I don't know how that would corrode......

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

I am in agreement with the other guys. Besides, there really isn't a cooling line that goes from the drive to the engine. There is one that goes from the drive to the transom assy. and one that goes from the transom assy to the engine (water pump) but they are both rubber.

 

[JP Fla]

Re: Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

Thanks for the input....

In more detail, it was described to me that the actual transom assy corrodes, the area that surrounds the tube. When this happens, the transom assy has to be replaced.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

Everything corrodes as soon as you dump it in salt water.

Making sure you have good paint

Making sure you have everything bonded

Making sure your mercathode system is working

Are all things you can do to HELP cut down on corrosion, but there is nothing you can do to STOP it completely.

That goes for any manufactorer... it's not a Merc thing, its a salt thing.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

Thanks for the input....

In more detail, it was described to me that the actual transom assy corrodes, the area that surrounds the tube. When this happens, the transom assy has to be replaced.

Yes, that area around that (#20) fitting does corrode and can lead to the need to replace the transom assembly. It takes a while, however, and neglect is usually it's cause. For example, my dad's best friend neglected his trailered 27' cruiser and it took about 10 years for that part to corrode badly. This was in Florida, just like you.

Are you planning to keep the boat in the water or on a trailer? If on a trailer, just make sure to flush the engine out properly after every saltwater use and don't leave any saltwater in the bilge (this is what my dad's friend did!), ever.

Best of luck to you.

 

[JP Fla]

Re: Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

Thanks for the input to all. I originally became concerned about this when a boat mechanic basically said that any Bravo III over 4 years old will have that problem.

This particular boat is immaculate, 2002 all original, kept in covered marina storage. Apparently flushed by the marina after each use. I plan on trailering it, so it will not be kept in the water. I've never heard anything too bad about the Bravo III's, so I figured I'd throw this out there for any comments or suggestions.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

With the information you just provided, I'd just suggest that you try to physically look in that area to check for any signs of corrosion. I think that boat mechanic was WAY over estimating how quickly they corrode. Maybe he's seen it a lot of boats that have been moored in the water, in Florida, year round. And if the Mercathode system wasn't working, it could happen. But not on a boat that has been dry rack stored, no way. Unless the bilge was left full of water.

The place that corrosion MOST DEFINATELY happens on a Bravo 3 is the rear bearing carrier. Make sure you remove the props (huge inner nut, special tool, or a BIG wrench required) and check that area. But again, if the boat was kept on a rack, that shouldn't be corroded (much) either.

Best of luck to you.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Bravo III transom assembly corrosion problem??

Thanks for the input to all. I originally became concerned about this when a boat mechanic basically said that any Bravo III over 4 years old will have that problem.

This particular boat is immaculate, 2002 all original, kept in covered marina storage. Apparently flushed by the marina after each use. I plan on trailering it, so it will not be kept in the water. I've never heard anything too bad about the Bravo III's, so I figured I'd throw this out there for any comments or suggestions.

I don't think you'll have any corrosion problems with a Bravo III that's trailered.

Mine is a 97model and I installed it in 2006. The previous owner trailered it and although he never ran it in salt, he even flushed it when he ran it in fresh!


I have a Mercathode, but it's not connected(to power).


If you're going to run in salt and you think you might park it in salt for any extended period of time ENSURE that the anodes are connected with clean connections, ALL the ground straps are connected and the Mercathode is working properly.

There is a Mercury SB that speaks to gavanic corrosion prevention.



Cheers,


Rick