O.K. 260 people, Bravo 2 drive on this boat Help!!!

Oh, and Shining, that paint on your prop is greatly reducing your risk of corrosion.
 
I thought I would add my 2 cents, since it is worth nothing. I have never had a BII but I have had both the BI and BIII. I agree with Presentation on his analysis of the BIII. I have a 07 240 with a BIII, the boat was bought new this year. I did use the boat at least 12 weekends this year. The boat was stored in dry storage after each use and by the end of the summer the drive and props were just almost gray.

I know the sulphur content in the water has a lot to do with it but I had a 10 year old boat with a BI for 3 years in the same waters and it never once looked this way with the same storage and use. I spoke with MM service about this and they explained to me that the BIII runs hotter and needs more frequent drive oil changes. I did however Zing clean the drive and it looks brand new except for a few missing paint spots. This leads me to believe that higher corrosion rates.

Pertaining to performance the BI out performed the BIII in all areas for me except docking. I had a similar weight Go-fast boat with the BI. So I can't see how this would be such a big deal if the boat came a BII. It leads me to believe the owner who ordered the boat must have had a good experience with the BII. That is how I operate.....If I find something that works I stick with it. I would believe that with proper care and maintainance it would be just fine and you may be able get a better price since the BIII is more popular.
 
Kurt said:
I thought I would add my 2 cents, since it is worth nothing. I have never had a BII but I have had both the BI and BIII. I agree with Presentation on his analysis of the BIII. I have a 07 240 with a BIII, the boat was bought new this year. I did use the boat at least 12 weekends this year. The boat was stored in dry storage after each use and by the end of the summer the drive and props were just almost gray.

I know the sulphur content in the water has a lot to do with it but I had a 10 year old boat with a BI for 3 years in the same waters and it never once looked this way with the same storage and use. I spoke with MM service about this and they explained to me that the BIII runs hotter and needs more frequent drive oil changes. I did however Zing clean the drive and it looks brand new except for a few missing paint spots. This leads me to believe that higher corrosion rates.

Pertaining to performance the BI out performed the BIII in all areas for me except docking. I had a similar weight Go-fast boat with the BI. So I can't see how this would be such a big deal if the boat came a BII. It leads me to believe the owner who ordered the boat must have had a good experience with the BII. That is how I operate.....If I find something that works I stick with it. I would believe that with proper care and maintainance it would be just fine and you may be able get a better price since the BIII is more popular.
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Well, now that makes sense there. I have decided to test drive this boat and see what's what as I will be only 2.5 hours from the dealer while I am at work in Ga. I will post my thoughts about how the boat performed.

I have only really driven a 260 1 x and that was for about 15 min. so who knows if I even will know a difference. As long as it planes out and does not list to one side while bringing the outdrive up, it would be o.k. I will repost next Saturday, 11/1/08.

Thanks everbody!!!
 
medic3538 said:
As long as it planes out and does not list to one side while bringing the outdrive up, it would be o.k. I will repost next Saturday
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It may list to one side regardless of the drive. There are several factors that can contribute to listing. One is me being a fat a$$ at 225#, a full hot water heater, batteries all on one side or just an uneven load.

My 240 lists terrible at times because I out weigh my wife by 125# and the spot for the cooler is behind me. I am always on my tabs keeping her straight.

Bottom line, I should have bought a 260. I just did not want a boat payment. I would be very pickey right now because there are just too many deals out there.
 
Prop wash wont cause any appreciable listing getting on plane or while cruising though you will notice it while at sub-planing speeds and while docking. A search of 260 handling characteristics will identify many "quirks" with the 260. I doubt any would be attributed to the drive.
 
keokie said:
Oh, and Shining, that paint on your prop is greatly reducing your risk of corrosion.
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Is there paint on that prop? Regardless, my 10 year old Bravo II outdrive looks very similar to Shining's (virtually no corrosion) and has always sported an unpainted stainless prop.

As far as performance, the top end on my boat is basically identical to a couple of similar 270s with BIIIs that I run with. But I get on plane much faster and I am less affected by the passenger load on the boat.
 
I ran with a '95 260DA 7.4. Granted a much newer boat than mine, but the most major difference was B2 vs. A1 in my boat. That big prop smoked my boat out of the hole every time. Top speed was similar. I also noted no tendency to fall off plane in very rough water. It just plowed right through the biggest waves with no throttle adjustments. I'd love to have a B2. One drawback I see is you add draft.
 
Well the virdict is in. I BOUGHT THE BOAT!!!

The boat did really well. Plane was about 6-7 seconds 3/4 tank, 2 guys at about 450, no water.

The happy place in the RPM appeared to be 3600. Used the Dave S. theroy of planing, tabs up, drive down, bring drive up slowly. Slight tab adjustment needed for list to the right, but no big deal. WOT was 38 MPH.

While practicing backing at the docks it appeared less positive in the tracking department, but that will just be one of its' quirks. I'll learn to handle that in time I think.

The hard part is going to be dealing with wind and current when launching and taking out. I think we are planning on going on the maiden run on a slack tide...BOTH WAYS.

Reading manuals and getting gear for now. Ordered the Bennet auto trim tabs for installation in summertime. Going to get used to handling the boat first.

Also ordered a fresh water cooling system as I am gong to be in heavy salt most of the time.

She should be in town on Friday and I'll let everyone know how the first run goes.
 
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That is awesome...enjoy it.
 
Dave S said:
Congratulations and welcome to the 260DA club. Glad the B2 performed well for you.:thumbsup:
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Hey Dave, just wanted to give you a shout out of thanks for all your help these last 5-6 months. We are really happy with our girl and your answers to some of the questions we had out there have been invaluable. :thumbsup:

I'll let you know how the maiden voyage goes.

Thanks again Dave.
 
douglee25 said:
Did you get the boat surveyed? Did anything turn up?

Doug
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Yes we did. All minor stuff and not alot of that as well. Surveyor did a "hull moisture check and scan" is what he said. I wasn't there, but he said basically, it was a brand new boat and that he verified the dealership changed all the fluids. The batteries tested o.k. all pumps and electrical were o.k. as well.

We'll get our first run this weekend hopefully and I will post a note.

Have a great week.
 
Medic3538,

Congratulations! No need to justify that drive in your signature. It is well built, rugged and reliable. If you are happy with the performance, there is no reason not to have the drive.

The 260 is a very, very nice boat in my opinion.
 
keokie said:
Medic3538,

Congratulations! No need to justify that drive in your signature. It is well built, rugged and reliable. If you are happy with the performance, there is no reason not to have the drive.

The 260 is a very, very nice boat in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Point taken, see signature.

THANKS everyone. This site is stellar!!
 
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