Bravo Three - need help before driving 2+ hours to go see boat at 6am.

[JP_R]

Hello group.... so I have sold my current boat and already looking at its replacement

I found a Sea Ray 300 that checks most of my wants. Upon closely inspecting the images provided by the broker, I believe that the bravo 3s might be heavily corroded. Boat is a 2006 with only 150 hours on engines.

Thing is, I only have experience with Alpha One; and in my case, the one on the boat I sold was pristine.

Seeking any help/advise you guys can provide by seeing this one picture. Hopefully I get a few replies before 6am.

 

[GA_Boater]

Where is the picture of the drives? Can't tell they are corroded or need paint in the shadow of the swim platform.

 

[JP_R]

Where is the picture of the drives? Can't tell they are corroded or need paint in the shadow of the swim platform.

Unfortunately, that is the only pic I have that show the drives.....

buddy is saying that it could be that paint peeled after pressure washing to clean barnacles...

 

[cchamp]

Looks comparable to the rest of the hull so barnacles makes sense. What is the name of the boat? Queen of Torts?

 

[JP_R]

Looks comparable to the rest of the hull so barnacles makes sense. What is the name of the boat? Queen of Torts?

Yeah I am leaning on barnacles at this point.

no idea on name... either what you stated or Queen of Forts... you activated my curiosity... why you ask?

 

[GA_Boater]

Female lawyer owner specializing in lawsuits, typically personal injury cases - Queen of Torts.

 

[JP_R]

Here are a couple of closer pictures of the drives..... looks like corrosion.

 

[alldodge]

Yes, and may has not had regular maintenance (haul out). The amount I see is fixable with prep and repaint. Then once its sitting in the water and hooked up to shore power for 24 hours, check the operation of the mercathode

 

[tpenfield]

OMG . . . total S-show. I think $15K for some new outdrives and transom assemblies and you'll be all set

 

[Lou C]

Forget it you’ll be chasing that problem every season. Common here in the salt pond.

 

[tank1949]

Hello group.... so I have sold my current boat and already looking at its replacement

I found a Sea Ray 300 that checks most of my wants. Upon closely inspecting the images provided by the broker, I believe that the bravo 3s might be heavily corroded. Boat is a 2006 with only 150 hours on engines.

Thing is, I only have experience with Alpha One; and in my case, the one on the boat I sold was pristine.

Seeking any help/advise you guys can provide by seeing this one picture. Hopefully I get a few replies before 6am.

150 hrs?????? Corrosion looks like saltwater exposure? Heavy boat that should have "strokers," (in my opinion) but I'd be more concerned about transom rot. Why all the extra caulking if transom is not leaking around assemblies. If indeed leaking, y-pipes and back side of gimbal housing (mating surface) may be corroded too? Saltwater, iron, aluminum and copper do not play well together. Many boats are not properly bonded. Paint is not that bad looking and easily repaired or repainted. Transom materials may be synthetic and not wood. If synthetic, the transom seal will still need to be replaced. That means pulling motors, ODs, and transom assemblies. I suspect transom is wood and rotten. You should sound hull or drill 1/2 dozen holes inside and examine drillings. If owner or broker will not allow after agreed upon price and sea trial, RUN! That means big bucks to replace. Paying for repairs to get seaworthy will be an arm and leg. If you are a DIY person, not as much but you'd need a lot of time, tools and place to do the work, especially if replacing transom. I have been there, have tools, shop and understanding wife. An understanding wife is the most important part of the repairs. If you take on project, you should watch "Project Dreamboat" for ideas. Good luck!

 

[JP_R]

Forget it you’ll be chasing that problem every season. Common here in the salt pond.

My thoughts exactly.

I am wanting to find a trouble free boat that I can enjoy with the fam and not have a bunch of problems.

bummer because the boat looks to be in excellent condition other that the drives.

 

[JP_R]

150 hrs?????? Corrosion looks like saltwater exposure? Heavy boat that should have "strokers," (in my opinion) but I'd be more concerned about transom rot. Why all the extra caulking if transom is not leaking around assemblies. If indeed leaking, y-pipes and back side of gimbal housing (mating surface) may be corroded too? Saltwater, iron, aluminum and copper do not play well together. Many boats are not properly bonded. Paint is not that bad looking and easily repaired or repainted. Transom materials may be synthetic and not wood. If synthetic, the transom seal will still need to be replaced. That means pulling motors, ODs, and transom assemblies. I suspect transom is wood and rotten. You should sound hull or drill 1/2 dozen holes inside and examine drillings. If owner or broker will not allow after agreed upon price and sea trial, RUN! That means big bucks to replace. Paying for repairs to get seaworthy will be an arm and leg. If you are a DIY person, not as much but you'd need a lot of time, tools and place to do the work, especially if replacing transom. I have been there, have tools, shop and understanding wife. An understanding wife is the most important part of the repairs. If you take on project, you should watch "Project Dreamboat" for ideas. Good luck!

Yes the boat has lived in salt water. Story I got is the owner lives in another state and just sold their vacation home here in Florida and is wanting to sell the boat as well.

the boat itself looks pristine in every other aspect. Upholstery is perfect, gel coat shines, no discoloration or sun fading on dash or gauges, etc.

not sure about transom or water intrusion. Once I got those images this morning, I decided to not go see the boat and just texted the broker that seller will need to come down on price big time.

 

[tank1949]

expect 10 grand or more to replace transom on duals-good luck

 

[emoney]

Believe it or not, more common of an issue that you'd imagine. Lots of out-of-state owners down here, hence the "low hours". Problem is, low hours usually means bigger problems. I'd much rather have a boat with 500 hours over one that's a few years old with 50. It's obviously Galvanic corrosion and there was shore power in use. Doesn't kill the deal, but I'd pay for a real survey. Might be the cheapest money you will spend on it, for sure.

 

[nola mike]

Female lawyer owner specializing in lawsuits, typically personal injury cases - Queen of Torts.

OMG I would hate that lady on so many levels if I ever met her.

 

[JP_R]

Believe it or not, more common of an issue that you'd imagine. Lots of out-of-state owners down here, hence the "low hours". Problem is, low hours usually means bigger problems. I'd much rather have a boat with 500 hours over one that's a few years old with 50. It's obviously Galvanic corrosion and there was shore power in use. Doesn't kill the deal, but I'd pay for a real survey. Might be the cheapest money you will spend on it, for sure.

I am passing on it...... not looking for a problem now or down the road.

 

[tpenfield]

Looks like the outdrives are about $7500 new and $4-5K used/refurbished.

With the amount of corrosion showing, I'd think that the outdrive might not be serviceable . . there is probably too much metal gone from the casing. I would bet the bearing carriers are shot and removing them would be a nightmare.

The transom assemblies are about $2,500 new.

Based on the amount of corrosion on the gimbal ring, I'm not sure I'd trust the transom assembly.

So, Figure $15-20K in parts Neglect sure can be expensive

Not even worth considering further . . . let the seller get that all sorted out.

 

[tank1949]

Looks like the outdrives are about $7500 new and $4-5K used/refurbished.

With the amount of corrosion showing, I'd think that the outdrive might not be serviceable . . there is probably too much metal gone from the casing. I would bet the bearing carriers are shot and removing them would be a nightmare.

The transom assemblies are about $2,500 new.

Based on the amount of corrosion on the gimbal ring, I'm not sure I'd trust the transom assembly.

So, Figure $15-20K in parts Neglect sure can be expensive

Not even worth considering further . . . let the seller get that all sorted out.

It's a shame how some boat owners seem to have more money than sense. I'd be ashamed to let any of my toys go to hell like that.

 

[emoney]

It’s usually the relatively new owners and Snowbirds who come down and buy a house on the water, they look at see their neighbors have boats in the water and figure “oh that looks easy”. What they don’t know is the neighbor has about the same experience they do, lol. It’s one thing to keep your boat on a lift, an entirely different set of circumstances when it’s going to be stored in the water. “I want power to my dock so I can keep my battery charger plugged in”......and here’s the result.