What out-drives

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russ

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Could someone shed some light on this question please.
After trawling through various boat sales web sites, mags and also looking over a couple of pocket cruisers I have wondered what are the differences between the makes and models of out-drives e.g Alpha1 & Bravo 3 and Volvo DP etc..
Which are the best and more reliable makes and models?
 
Which are the best and more reliable makes and models?

Whatever you buy make sure they have been serviced regularly,a big wad of invoices going backover the years is your best insurance against problems whatever the make.
It helps if you have a dealer who sells the make of your choice right on your doorstep,you will probably be on first name terms with him in the end.
 
russ said:
Could someone shed some light on this question please.
After trawling through various boat sales web sites, mags and also looking over a couple of pocket cruisers I have wondered what are the differences between the makes and models of out-drives e.g Alpha1 & Bravo 3 and Volvo DP etc..
Which are the best and more reliable makes and models?
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I've got a couple of 20 year old Volvo 275 SP's which have not given any major problems
if you service them your self its a lot cheaper
With a single drive on a small sports cruiser they are easier to control and generally speaking more economical on fuel which off sets the servicing costs
I would recommend Volvo then Alpha 1(make sure the cutout is adjusted properly)
Grown ups will be along shortly to assist further
 
russ said:
Which are the best and more reliable makes and models?
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I'm afraid the best answer is, as often with boating choices, it depends.
Probably, the Mercury #6 and the Ilmor Indy are the two top outdrives at the moment, but chances are that you never heard of them, 'cause specifically targeted at high power/torque engines and VERY fast boats, with surface propellers.
The more common Mercury Alpha & Bravo (I/II/III), or the Volvo SX and DP (S/R/H), are all good and reliable products, when matched with the kind of engine/boat each of them is designed for.
Can you be more specific about your concerns?
 
Generally you will find the outdrive matched to the engine. if the boat comes with a Volvo engine, it will have Volvo transmission. Most others will come with the Merc Alfa, Bravo etc depending on engine power/torque. So unless you are buying new, in which case you might have the choice of Volvo or others, you gets what comes with the boat!!
 
Thank you all, but what are the benefits of buying a boat with an Alpha 1 or a Bravo 3 or even the difference between Bravo1 and B3's.
Its just I have choice of three boats to buy one with the Volvo DP and one with Bravo1 and the last I think is a Bravo3 as its an 06 boat, but I could be wrong.

Sorry but one more question.
One of the boats has never been A/F as its kept on a trailer.
How long can you leave a boat in the river before it should be done. As i may only keep it there for the season and then on the trailer for the winter months.
Or can the A/f add some protection from osmosis?
 
I believe the Alpha has one screw and the Bravo III has twin contra-rotating screws. On the Alpha you will experience transverse thrust when going astern and there will be none on the BIII.

Others will have more experience but I have the BIII and have had no problems.

Tom
 
The BMW outdrive has to be the best one ever made. If you have a marine maintenance company! Not the best to own though. Different people will say different things some but there's not much in it. They all have good and bad points. You are better looking at the engine and outdrive combination.

With regards to antifouling offers no protection from osmosis! And the length of time for growth to build up depends on the location and amount of use the boat gets. Best to ask other boat owners in the area.
 
russ said:
Could someone shed some light on this question please.
After trawling through various boat sales web sites, mags and also looking over a couple of pocket cruisers I have wondered what are the differences between the makes and models of out-drives e.g Alpha1 & Bravo 3 and Volvo DP etc..
Which are the best and more reliable makes and models?
Click to expand...

Can't say for VP but the Merc Alpha is only rated to handle IIRC 260bhp, the Merc bravo considerably more. Bravos have a reputation for corrosion issues, but it will not be too much of a concern in fresh water.

Ding the props on a contra rotating prop setup and it will not matter which make you have, the bill for new props will be eyewatering.

Horses for courses, some swear by VP, others by Mercs. Some like strange thingies called Enfields and some like OMC, although the latter two are out of production. I think the OMC looked the prettiest and the VP, the ugliest, but then you look out the pointy end most of the time.

Servicing me lad. Servicing is the key for all things mechanical.....unless its a Fiat. :D
runs for cover with hands over head.
 
tinkicker0 said:
Servicing is the key for all things mechanical.....unless its a Fiat.
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Oi, those boys in Turin seem to have chances to succeed where the big guys from Baden-Württemberg had to give up!
They must know a thing or three about their job after all, I reckon. :)

...and since you also mention beauty, I bet you'll easily forget the King Cobra if you have a look at the masterpieces below! :eek:
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll434/FreezeFrameVideo/boatsow2010/70.jpg

PS: Mercury also mated Alphas with 330hp 454 engines at some stage, but I would walk away from a boat with such combination.
 
Last edited:
MapisM said:
Oi, those boys in Turin seem to have chances to succeed where the big guys from Baden-Württemberg had to give up!
They must know a thing or three about their job after all, I reckon. :)

...and since you also mention beauty, I bet you'll easily forget the King Cobra if you have a look at the masterpieces below! :eek:
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll434/FreezeFrameVideo/boatsow2010/70.jpg

PS: Mercury also mated Alphas with 330hp 454 engines at some stage, but I would walk away from a boat with such combination.
Click to expand...

70.jpg



Wow, they are beauts.
 
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