"Bite the bullet time" - New motor/drive

[abl1111]

I am ready to purchase a new motor and drive. The motor was easy - a Mercruiser 350 Magnum 300HP 5.7 freshwater cooled.

The drive. #@$%%^, what a headache !

So, once and for all: Chime in about the Bravo 1, the Bravo 2 and the Bravo 3. Advice through experience only please.

Give me your pros and cons for the drive you have. The initial $$$ amount is not that different between them so that is not a factor.

Thx,

Alan

[laser]

What about the Cummins/Merc for the engine. Apparently they have put together a nice diesel package.
Bill

[Dave Hirshberg]

Abl,
I've had a lot of experience with all drive systems on different boats but none on a SeaCraft. Heres what I know.
Bravo I works on multiple applications well from 23 to 25 ft. Its built strong and will easily handle the weight of your 23 with minimal surface drag and a good cruise and top end.
BravoII's are designed with a different gear ratio,(lower) and swing a huge prop. They are bigger and have a longer foot than a bravo 1. The only place I have seen them successfuly used was on bulkier or heavier cabin cruisers that need the large prop to get them out of hole and keep them there at lower cruise speeds (25 to 30mph on 26 to 30 ft boats. Work horse drive but don't look for speed.
Bravo III- great drive but lots of moving parts and long prop shaft. Don't run one aground because you have twice the props twice the moving parts and twice the cost to fix. On a 23 I don't feel that there is enough added efficiency to justify the B3. on a single engine 25 or 26ft its a different story, they need more hole shot.
I've sold and delivered dozens of each in Maxum, Chris Craft, Donzi, Rinker, and Baja sport boats and cruisers. My experience with these is where I form my opinions, some may disagree though.

5.7 with Bravo 1 gets my vote

[Brian Rice]

I have the 350 horizon with the Bravo 3 and love it all around.