Aaaaaaahh ! --- repower w/ an I/O or O/B ???? - Page 2

abl1111 · #11 05-15-2003, 09:47 AM

Joe,

I had actually sent you an email a week ago w/ some direct questions. Here's most of whatI sent:

--- Joe,

You had given me some advice recently w/ regard to my '75, 23' Seacraft Tsunami. I was hoping I could pick your brain a bit more. I have located, via a friend of a friend in the marine industry, a left-over Mercruiser Horizon, 5.7 litre 300HP Mercruiser w/ my choice of either Bravo II or III. ) I'd rather the Bravo II ). The motor would come w/ trim pump, transom plate, power assist and gasket kit - ( no gauges, harness, controls or prop ). I can purchase for 10.5K - add $500 for delivery. No tax because it will be biz to biz.

My question/concern: This motor although new, comes w/ no warranty. The phrase is, " non-current " and therefore no warranty comes w/ it.

Is this a concern ? Does this sound like a good price ?

Also, I am thinking if the Bravo 2 drive over the Bravo 1 drive for bullet-proof -overkill. A friend has one on a 23 Chris Craft and loves it. You opinion here is appreciated. I've heard that the BR 2 is a more obsecure drive and usually used on bigger boats or even barges. Is there a negative to the BR2 ?

Lastly, should I even consider a Mercruiser 454 ? Is this overkill and a lot more $ ?

Thx Joe. I appreciate your advice. ---

abl1111 · #12 05-15-2003, 10:01 AM

Joe,

I'm a little confused w/ the $3000 number. I am re-doing whatever glass work needs to be done my self ( via a friend looking over my shoulder who is in the 'glass biz' ).

I would appreciate a package price of the options you mentioned, if you do not mind. It would give me a baseline. You a strong beleiver of OMC over Yamaha ? And Armstrong over any other bracket.

You know what's so difficult is that you get sooo much info and so many strong, different opinions on every facet of a project that for someone w/ a limited background of info in this area (ME!) - it's tough to make an educated decision.

I have read and re-read every thread that pertains to what I'm doing - it seems that an I/O on a bracket is the way to go [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

That's not a typo by the way - it was 'a funny'...

And, I truly feel absolutely LUCKY to have all this wealth of info...

- Alan

barnacle · #13 05-16-2003, 09:57 PM

Finster, We have no problem doing a I/O transome and making it into a bracket boat using a Armstrong bracket for $3000.00. Alen I will get back to you with prices I have been under the weather these past few weeks. I have been in and out of the shop these past 2 weeks. This is the worst time of the year to get sick for anyone in the boating industry.

Finster · #14 05-16-2003, 11:06 PM

Thats cool. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] 3k sounds like a great deal for the transom alone without a bracket.

I'm looking for someone to shoot mine with a 2 part poly, I'll do all the prep work. If your interested send me over some numbers.

barnacle · #15 05-17-2003, 10:22 AM

Armstrong V6ssa30-ta bracket. V-6 outboards 30" set back 990.00. Evinrude 250 Di 14,000. All rigging to make the Evinrude work around 2000.00 with hyd. steering system. MerCruiser 350 MPI Horizon with bravo 2 drive 12,300. with a 3 year factory warry. All rigging to make work along with steering system around 1100.00. Finster give me a call at 856 785 9455 and I can give you the number of the place that does all our glass work. I know they will shoot it for ya with no problem.

abl1111 · #16 05-17-2003, 11:42 AM

Joe,

First - I hope you feel better. It could be worse - the weather could be good, the fish biting AND your sick.

Anyway, thx or the info. Do the bracket-mounted o/b's have to have a 30" shaft ? You have had good success and recommend the Armstrong bracket ? And lastly, what is the differnce w/ a "non-current" motor vs a new ?

Thx Joe...

- Alan

barnacle · #17 05-20-2003, 09:53 PM

We have been using Armstrong brackets since 1987 and have never had a problem with one. You will use a 25" engine. As for non current engines it depends on the year of them. MerCruiser will give a warry. until the engine hits I believe its 5 years old. Once a dealer has it for more than 5 years then its sold as is. If they say no warry. then its a older then 5 current model years. There is a big difference between 5 years on these engines. Spend the little extra and go with a current model. Or one that is 1 or 2 years is ok also.

Finster · #18 05-20-2003, 10:09 PM

Joe, thanks for the tip. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] Talked with Jim today and it sounds like it will work out fine.
Too bad I'm not ready to shoot now.

abl1111 · #19 05-22-2003, 11:13 AM

Joe,

Thx for all that info. I had no idea that a non-current engine could be (5) yrs old !!! I know the engine priced out for me came w/ NO warranty... I will definitely check that out. As for the Armstrong bracket: if I go w/ an outboard, based on your input/expertise, I would go w/ the Armstrong because I don't need a 'porsche' of brackets, just the trusty old ' Chevy' will do... Thanks again !!! I'm still torn 50/50 about which power option to go with, but I have a hell of a lot more info to help me decide !!!

- Alan

We have been using Armstrong brackets since 1987 and have never had a problem with one. You will use a 25" engine. As for non current engines it depends on the year of them. MerCruiser will give a warry. until the engine hits I believe its 5 years old. Once a dealer has it for more than 5 years then its sold as is. If they say no warry. then its a older then 5 current model years. There is a big difference between 5 years on these engines. Spend the little extra and go with a current model. Or one that is 1 or 2 years is ok also.