Performance alpha drives vs bravo III drives

Does anyone know if the Bravo III drives provide better performance than the Alpha drives integrated with 4.3L 220 HP twin engines on a SR 280?

I assume youre asking about an '01-'08 280 dancer. most are optioned with 4.3s and alphas (i had one) and the boat performs well - it jumps on plane and they are counter rotating so no weird handeling issues and it was even good around the docks - after that boat i went to a 300da with b3 drives - it needed the extra lift they provided - around the docks the b3s bit a little better too (esp in reverse)

The b3 drives shift easier due to having cone clutches instead of dog clutches. that said the b3 drives are WAY more work to maintain and WAY more money to replace - and you will have 2 hanging off the back of your boat. I would only consider b3 drives if you needed them due to the weight of the boat - in this case a 280 with 4.3s and alphas is "just right" - b3 drives do have their place, like a heavier single engine day boat - where you get the lift you need combined with way more control backing up - but again, that is not the case with the 280

thanks for your very concise comparison of alpha 1 and bravo 3 drives. very very helpful.

rv

I thought a '05 280 had B3's

I belive you could get the following - single 8.1/B3 - Twin 4.3/Alpha - Twin 4.3/B3 - Twin 5.0/B3 - Mine was an '04 and my buddy had an '03 that were 4.3/Alpha - I think the 4.3/B3 was kinda rare, most with twins and B3 are 5.0

Ididntdoit said:

I belive you could get the following - single 8.1/B3 - Twin 4.3/Alpha - Twin 4.3/B3 - Twin 5.0/B3 - Mine was an '04 and my buddy had an '03 that were 4.3/Alpha - I think the 4.3/B3 was kinda rare, most with twins and B3 are 5.0

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Interesting I didn't realize that. I've got a 05 280 with twin 5.0 and B3's

I think 300 hp is the break with alpha and Bravo

Marksearay said:

I think 300 hp is the break with alpha and Bravo

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Nope my 5.0's are B3's

Marksearay said:

I think 300 hp is the break with alpha and Bravo

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Sort of, generally 300hp is the max for an alpha.