350MAG Bravo I pkg price

[bigeasy1]

I know i asked a similar question before,so please bear with me.This will be the last question i ask regarding this topic,i promise.
I just got a price of 12,500.00 on a "NEW" 350MAG 300hp Bravo I package.
All The previous prices i got from dealers and places like Go-Fast,were less money,but were remanufactured engines.

This package is a new engine and new drive,with no hours.
What do you think? I would rather have a new unit,but not sure if the price is right.Also,i may be able to save a few bucks from another place,but would have to pay the frieght,which would add another few hundred bucks to the price.
All the packages above are Mercruiser factory units.

I'd like to hear any comments you have,Thanks all.

[riprunner]

John,
That sound like a good price for a factory new EFI motor with drive. Are you buying it in Western MA. I can't remember the name of the place out there. I a-lot of guys from the cape go out there to buy engines.

[nestorpr]

John, is that an Alpha I or a Bravo II drive? There's a big price difference between them and from what the Mercruiser guys told me at the Miami Boat Show, a Bravo II drive is overkill on any of our boats, not worth the extra weight and money. Most of them recommended the Alpha I drive for boats from 16 to 26 feet.

[kerneltugboat]

That sounds like a good price, all I can tell you is all the commercial guys I know are switching to Volvo Penta. My dad has the 350 Mercruiser package and it when it runs, it runs great, and the Bravo drive is Bullet Proof !! but he has been stranded 6 times on the water due to bad fuel pumps. One guy switched his new Mercruiser from FI to Carb. Mercruiser denied any problems, but they also say they have it fixed. The trend seems to be the 280 HP VP with the new Composite drive. Call Tracy Jorgensen, 508-760-5028 for a Price.

[EBEACH]

Hi John,

I was just talking with Joe the other day about your boat. Id like to meet you some time soon. I'm in the same position as you, with the exact same boat. I haven't spent a great deal of time looking for engine packages online, but I know Doug Russell Marine in Worcester, MA. has some of the best prices.

website: Doug Russell

I've been leaning toward the Volvo ocean series. I'm trying not to think about the money, so for now, I'm just going to work on the boat with the finish work and save the engine stuff for last.

I know you are going to be putting in engine beds (I as well). I checked the volvo website regarding the installation, and it gives all the dimensions except for the "X". Which is needed for setting the height of the engine beds. This could explain the small step up on the original engine beds. They would only have had to change the size of the step up if the "X" dimension was different from drive to drive.

Does anyone on this site know what the X dimension is for Mercrusier or Volvo? This is the dimension from the keel to the C/L of the drive shaft.

The Volvo D3-190 with DP looks great at only 727 lbs. A whopping 250 lbs less than the merc or volvo v8 gas setup.

Just how long can Mercruiser stay out in front of the pack when they don't come up with anything "new".

Jim

[bigeasy1]

Thanks to all for your great info.
In regards to your questions,it's a "Bravo I drive".I know that the Bravo II is meant for heavy loads like workboats.

Thanks for the phone# for tracy,i'll be sure to give him a call.

The place i got the price from is a dealer in western Ma,in Holyoke,by the name of Action Marine,(not affiliated with the action marine in webster.)
They are a small place,but have been around for many years.I've done a lot of business with them,and alway had good results.They have a good reputation.

Jim,Joe mentioned that he spoke to you,it would be good to meet sometime,we could maybe get some ideas from each other.I'm at his place almost every night until 6:30 or so.You can always call me there.

The pricing i got,is from a mercruiser program,called something like certified swap,or trade or something like that.
Mercruiser gives their dealers a monthly list of available engines and drives that were in boats,that may of had some damage,or were swapped for a different package.

They repair anything wrong with the engines or drives. They also list some of what they call non current(leftover)new engines,which is what i'm looking at.

All the packages either new or with some hours come with a full Mercruiser factory warranty.
It's kind of a first come first serve thing,so if you find a deal you have to act on it.

I'm not even close to be needing an engine yet,but figure maybe if it's a good buy,i should take advantage of it.

I'm still a bit undecided as what to do,because i hear a lot of good stuff about Volvo Penta.
This boat will be used in western NY on lake Ontario,for salmon fishing.
My concern is that there are very few Volvo dealers, up there,but several Mercruiser ones.
I leave it up there so towing it back home for service is not an option.
I't would be much easier getting parts for the Merc,but if Volvo is that good,it may not be a problem.

As for price,is Volvo a lot more money than Merc?.

Again thanks everyone for your help.

[spareparts]

check with basic power in Harkers Island, ebasicpower.com
they usually have some good deals on Mercruiser and Volvo. Their web site is confusing and sometimes not up to date, call( their # is on the site) and ask for Junior, ask him what he's got in complete packages

[1bayouboy]

That's in the park...it's a good price for a good package.
The smartcraft tach and speedo are worth having with it too.

[abl1111]

Mercruiser 350 Mag w/ Bravo 3 - a wet dream ! Mercruiser - Volvo; If you have a mechanic you like or people who think there is an honest guy around - go w/ that person/manufact.

I was in the same spot you're in and went w/ the Mercruiser because there is a good mechanic here. The price was right - and I wasn't skimping - I got what I wanted. And, he had installed several of the same in other SC's and knew the outcome.

I am very happy w/ it.

My concern on any outdrive is electrolysis and corrosion - w/ either ( unless you get Volvo's composite - then the corrosion can be 'inside' - at least that's Mercruiser's angle on the problem w/ Volvo's ).

I would prep, sand and paint the factory outdrive w/ antifouling - I would do this right out of the box before it all gets assembled. That way you can protect every crevice.

In the end, and outboard is the easiest to maintain, but for me that was not an option ( I did not want to do the bracket thing ).

In the end you'll pull the trigger based on the best info you can gather and your gut feeling. Good luck...