Having Crazy thoughts. Tell me what ya think

[SNSTER]

First off this is my forst post so hello everybody. Ok my first boat ever was a late 70's or early 80's I cant remember Jaws SS. That is the only name that could ever be found for the boat. Guess they only made them a couple years. Anyway it is a 24' Cuddy cabin. Long story short this boat had not been very well taken care of. I have since moved on and this one has done a lot of sitting. I have some weird attachment to this boat so I am considering restoring it. I know it will take lots of money and time. My main question is about changing the outdrive. It currently has a Volvo 280 on it with an unknown gear ratio but I know they mostly went behind 4 and 6 cylinders. I have replaced the motor in this with a new custom built 383 stroker. Its actually a fairly nasty motor for what the boat is. So to make it more reliable I would like to update the outdrive to something more modern like a Bravo 1 or maybe even an updated volvo. I have priced some new Bravos. What would be my biggest issue trying to change over to a modern drive? I'm concerned with the size of the hole in the transom. I may be way off though. The boat is currently functional though. My boat now is a 02 rinker fiesta vee that the wife wanted so I am trying to make an easier to get around loud nasty boys boat.

 

[sqbtr]

Re: Having Crazy thoughts. Tell me what ya think

Looks like a 280 with power trim, used behind V8's with the right ratio. Many consider them the cadillac, put a DP lower on it and it's the shiznet.

Post it up in the volvo forum and you will get the best advice, or just send it to me.

 

[SNSTER]

Re: Having Crazy thoughts. Tell me what ya think

yep thats what it is. I actually had that one put on as the other one crapped out. The guy who installed it said he couldnt even tell us the ratio. The lift part has also broken and had to be welded back together. I was looking to change it out with something a little more reliable and modern to handle the power of the 383. A little more speed would be great also as it will only get in the low 50's with a 23 pitch prop. was much snappier but slower top end with I think a 19 pitch. i would really like the reliability of the Bravo one just not sure on what all would need to be done to get it on there beside about $5000 dollars for it lol. Thanks for the reply

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Having Crazy thoughts. Tell me what ya think

I was looking to change it out with something a little more reliable and modern to handle the power of the 383.

you already have what is arguably the most reliable thing and one of the few stock drives that will live behind a 383 with some common sense use of the throttle
AQ with power trim = sweet
I don't think a B1 would be an upgrade, and would require extensive transom plywood and fiberglass work to mount.

Use your new drive budget to refresh the 280 and put a DP lower on it

 

[Don S]

Re: Having Crazy thoughts. Tell me what ya think

I was looking to change it out with something a little more reliable and modern to handle the power of the 383.

More modern is all you would get, you have better reliablity with that drive. As mentioned, put a DP lower on it and go. Volvo uses that same setup on 7.4's and 6 cylinder diesels.
There was another member that had that setup in his boat with a 454. He liked to go fast. Drives were never his problem.