corroded B3's

[scoflaw]

Looking to buy a boat that's in decent shape, except the lower units are in rough shape, even though its a fresh water boat. Owner has no money to fix. What would be a reasonable deduction off his asking price? When did merc get a handle on this well known problem? Would the solution be to swap the parts, into new housings or buy new housings ? SEI doesn't seem to deal with bravos. Not sure. Thanks for any advise.

 

[45Auto]

Re: corroded B3's

What would be a reasonable deduction off his asking price?

That depends on his asking price.

If it's already super low and a great deal, grab it before someone buys it out from under you.

On the other hand, if he's asking more than a new boat, at least deduct the cost of a new drive, about $5000.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: corroded B3's

No SEI B3 lower units available. Mercruiser has made continual refinements to the B3. 2005ish they started using a different rear bearing carrier. But their introduction of SeaCore in about 2009(?) would be their best attempt to solve the problem.
How bad is the corrosion? And remember, it's the rear bearing carrier that you want to check closely.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: corroded B3's

Owner has no money to fix.

For me this is usually a sign of trouble and expense. Selling a broken anything usually means it costs more than its worth to fix. There very well be other issues that you don't know about yet. Look everything over with a fine tooth comb. Don't let the outdrive issues mask the other problems. Besides if he doesn't have money to fix this what other maintenance issues did he pass on because he didn't want to invest any more money.