Opinions on MerCruiser 5.7L 250 hp 2002 model with Bravo 3

[Ricewalker]

Thinking about buying a 2002 boat with 5.7 L 250 hp w Bravo 3 outdrive. If I'm not mistaken that engine is a carb engine. What is the pro/cons of the engine o/d combo. Thanks.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Opinions on MerCruiser 5.7L 250 hp 2002 model with Bravo 3

Welcome to IBOATS.

I love my B3 and big block 7.4 and moves my 9000 pound boat very nicely.

Not sure what boat you're looking at so we need to know that to decide if it might be underpowered or not.

Be sure to get engine, drive, hull inspections/surveys done before purchasing.

Mark

 

[Ricewalker]

Re: Opinions on MerCruiser 5.7L 250 hp 2002 model with Bravo 3

The boat im may looking at is a 225 BR Crownline. Im a little concearned that the 250 hp 5.7 l Mercruiser w the B3 is a liitle small? What do you guys think. Thanks

 

[agallant80]

Re: Opinions on MerCruiser 5.7L 250 hp 2002 model with Bravo 3

I have the 260HP 5.0MPI with B3 on my cruiser which clock in at 7,000lbs. It moves the boat just fine so I dont think the HP will be an issue on a boat that weighs 3,800lbs I think you will be fine. The B3 is a pretty bullet proofe drive (thought nmine just blew up from a casting defect).

What I like about the B3,
Great dockside manars much easier to move in tight spaces than the single prop drive (alpha)
SS props are nice, they don't get damages easily
You don't have to take the drive apart to replace the impeller its mounted on the motor

Thinks I don't like
There is no prop hub so if you hit something hard enough you may damage the drive which is major $$$$$

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Opinions on MerCruiser 5.7L 250 hp 2002 model with Bravo 3

...

Great dockside manars much easier to move in tight spaces than the single prop drive (alpha)
SS props are nice, they don't get damages easily
You don't have to take the drive apart to replace the impeller its mounted on the motor

Thinks I don't like
There is no prop hub so if you hit something hard enough you may damage the drive which is major $$$$$

Add to the pros:

Faster planning time
Ability to hold plane at lower speed
Turns better in reverse than single prop drive

Add to cons:
Does not do "slow". When you put in in gear, it moves! (Have to take it out of gear a lot)
Corrosion is and has been an issue.
Special or at least LARGE sockets/wrenches needed to remove the props


You MUST remove the props and check the rear bearing carrier for corrosion. Especially if the boat has ever been kept in the water.
I would not be concerned about 250 propshaft HP of a 350 in a 22ft boat. Especially with that B3. But Sea Trial it with your anticipated load.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Opinions on MerCruiser 5.7L 250 hp 2002 model with Bravo 3

The boat im may looking at is a 225 BR Crownline. Im a little concearned that the 250 hp 5.7 l Mercruiser w the B3 is a liitle small? What do you guys think. Thanks

Aside from ensuring that you don't have any corrosion or other problems, I hope you're going to take a ride in the boat and OBSERVE the performance.

All in all, the B3 (or Volvo Duo-Prop) will almost always outperform (all around performance) the single-prop versions (except maybe for top speed.....3-5mph less)

My previously installed (340hp) 460/King Kobra, although fairly fast (60) at top end (running 400 RPM OVER max recommended RPM) was a complete DOG out of the hole.

The similarly powered (330hp) 454+ Bravo III is a ROCKET out of the hole and is probably 3 MPH slower at MAX rated RPM

I LOVE my Bravo III


Cheers,

Rick