I am interested in purchasing a 1996 Crownline 250 CR with a Mercruiser I/O 7.4L / Bravo 3 Drive.<br /><br />I already put a deposit on the boat, and had a surveyor look at the boat. The surveyor took a look at the boat and said everything was ok. He did notice some electrolsis on the outdrive. There is a bit on one of the Trim pistons, and some more at the top of the drive. It's a little pitted at the top of the drive. <br /><br />At first the surveyor told me I would just need to watch the drive, make sure I replace the zincs, and paint the drive. It seems the previous owner did not maintain the drive too well. A week lataer the surveyor told me he did some research on the drive, and that he read that the Bravo 3 Outdrive has some issues that once the drive gets pitted at all, its all down hill from there, and that I could be looking at spending $7000 on a replacement drive within a year. <br /><br />I am not sure what to do. I called the place I was purchasing the boat from and their mechanic said that possibly the piston may need to be changed but the drive itself is fine. I am from the area and this mechanic has a great reputation. I found the surveyor on the internet, and know nothing about him. I like the boat, and want to buy it, but I dont want a huge headache on my hands. Anyone have any experience with this, and can point me in the right direction?<br /><br />THANKS..
