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

Discover Bravo Drive vs Alpha Drive & Which MerCruiser Inboard/Outboard is Right for Your Next Boat & more at Boat Buyer’s Secret Weapon.
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This information is provided for entertainment & to help give you years of happy boating. It isn’t legal or tax advice. You are responsible to implementing the information in a safe & practical manner for your specific situation!

[cheapme]

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.

[Jeff-mvyy]

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.

[steveclark]

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.

[hildablanco]

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

[jackoff]

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?

[elliotwave]

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

[siliconvalleyengineer]

Very interesting difference between the alpha one and bravo three. my question sir is how much more horse power does the bravo three require over the light weight alpha one ?

[nancypeyton]

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

[georgegrammatikos]

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.

[jackoff]

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

[reubenyahsrael]

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.

[davidbryan]

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

[sxsoutlaws]

why not compare the Alpha 1 and the Bravo 1