Mercruiser Bravo drive reliabilty

[77_starcraft]

Looking a some 23ft boats with big block/bravo drives. I want reliability over speed (these types of boats should do 60mph stock) so the motor would remain stock. my price range puts me in the 1990s. Do these drives need regular maintenance and money to keep them reliable if not abused? I read that the earliest versions (87-88) are not the ones to get.

What are the most common problems?

my other option would be a jet pump, which are cheaper and easier to find. seems like a prop would provide better economy. anyone have expeirence with both in a similar sized boat?

 

[1730V]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo drive reliabilty

Big block power requires the minimum of a Bravo.

MerCruiser put some Alphas behind big blocks with "mixed" results.

I have a Bravo III behind a 7.4L MPI. Five seasons, no issues.

 

[QC]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo drive reliabilty

You should repost this in the I/O forum vvvvvvvv I will say that all I/Os require annual service. Bravos need gear lube change, grease points, torquing of gimbal ring, alignment check, and semi-annual water pump impeller change (not a drive part, but in comparison to Alphas) . . . Bravo 1s are virtually bullet proof with stock power.