Bravo Drive vs Alpha Drive & Which MerCruiser Inboard/Outboard is Right for Your Next Boat

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[@hildablanco1591]

If you want pushing power a bravo 2 single large prop is better but for racing a mercury racing drive called a six drive with a speed master lower end and a clever prop is best

[@cheapme1850]

In my area (Great Lakes) Alpha 1 are pretty much standard on any 260 Merc regardless if it’s a 18 or 27 foot boat, especially the ubiquitous Sea Ray cruisers. Bigger boats with twin V6 or small block V8 will also run the Alpha. I ran the original stock Alpha 1 Gen 1 on a 1989 Sea 250 with no issues until it bit the dust last year. You will see the Bravo 3 ever so often and you immediately know it’s being pushed by the 454.

[@steveclark8480]

bravo 3 going into gear is buttery smooth, I almost didnt think I was in gear the first time I drove my boat, coming from an Alpha one and being so used to the engagement clunk.

[@Jeff-mv4yy]

I bought a 26’ sea ray in 1987. It had a 454 and alpha 1 drive. I pretty much babied it during acceleration, but the drive really couldn’t handle the power of the 454 . Seems like there was a major repair on the drive every 2-3 years . The dealer actually recommended changing the prop to the same as used on the mercruiser 260 hp engine, and just keep the top end revs under 4500 . I actually tried it , but lost a lot of speed at cruising and top end . The alpha is the out drive that made me say never again to stern drives . My suggestion to those wanting to stay in stern drives is to get the beefiest drive you can get with your engine . Pass on the alpha if at all possible.

[@cannonfodder4812]

Yeah, that's a bad setup. Alphas were meant for the small block v8s and v6s. A 454 should have come with a bravo 1 in that application. The alpha was basically the competitor to the old OMC outdrives. Most of the alpha/omc applications have been replaced with outboards today.

[@jackoff1826]

Would be good to hear the difference between the two for pricing. And does engine size/power make a big difference for what would be needed or is it mostly the weight of the boat?

[@nancypeyton8850]

We have a 32 ft Bayliner. Will the Bravo 3 will push it with a 350. We aren't looking for speed.

[@elliotwave9589]

hey there captain matt, looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.. doesnt the bravo however have more torque? it helps plan the boat faster.. and is better for getting a fully loaded boat with a skiier out of the water easier? i know the bravo cant be put on smaller boats.. but isnt there that advantage? thanks as always

[@georgegrammatikos134]

Greetings from Greece, Recently I bought a sea ray 220 overnighter 22ft without engine and stern drive. I'm thinking about using a mercuiser 180 HP turbo diesel and bravo 2 stern drive. Is that a good option? I need your opinion. Thank you.

[@jackoff1826]

Bravo XR for me please...unfortunately I only have the Bravo 1, wish I had a bigger engine that'd need the XR

[@reubenyahsrael346]

I'm looking at a commodore and the seller says that the Single Bravo outdrive linkage needs to be reattached correctly and it's an easy fix around 1000.00 bucks. Can someone explain, if this is the case? I can't seem to find a single reference to how this looks.

[@billbeck1623]

How much hp can a bravo 3 handle

[@davidbryan1354]

when did Mercruiser Bravo 3 get away from cable and strictly drive by wire?

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

It was an option in early 2000’s or so but not sure when it became standard

[@sxsoutlaws2666]

why not compare the Alpha 1 and the Bravo 1

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Not a bad idea for a future video

[@cannonfodder4812]

The bravo 1 is for smaller high performance boats. It has a shorter lower end unit than the bravo 2. It is closer to the alpha as far as size goes. The bravo is smoother and can take much more power. Given an option with the same boat and engine, the only plus to the alpha will be price and weight. The weight savings will be minimal though. The alpha is just older tech, still in use because it is good for its purpose. They haven't made any major changes to it because the market for it isn't there anymore. Most applications have moved up to a bravo or replaced by outboards.