Want to learn about MerCruiser 5.0/5.7's and B III's

[jld]

I think that we have pretty much decided that a 02-07 Sundancer 300 would be the right boat for us. Boat will likely have twin 5.0/5.7's with Bravo III outdrives.

I retire in 18 months and this will be a couples boat, my wife and I, and occasionally our adult daughter. While I'm not new to boating, this will be our first powerboat, after coming from smaller sailboats.

We are hoping to buy a boat next Spring. Before we do so however, I'm trying to educate myself on MerCruiser engines and Bravo III outdrives. I would like to learn more on how they work, maintenance schedules, and information about maintenance costs.

I would be very appreciative of any classes, on-line courses, books, videos, etc., that folks might be able to recommend.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[Jeff Delbuono]

Jim,
I have twin 5.0 efi in my 98 290 sundancer with alpha 1 gen 2 drives
I have 5.7 mag in my 88 sorrento with alpha 1 gen 1 drives.
Both engines are kinda the same except the 5.7 is carbed and the 5.0 are fuel injected with diferent sensors like knock sensors, 02 sensors and such. Im in no way a marine mechanic but like you wanted to learn as much stuff as i could for service and repairs. Best advice i can give is you tube and google everything first. Most issues you will have someone else has had and solved it and posted about it. Buy the mercruiser service books and start a binder or bag with all the information and keep it on the boat for future reference. Start a spair parts bag with stuff like extra belts, sensor's and anything else you might need in a pinch. I can pretty much fix anything on the fly on my boats. It will pay for itself x10 in the long run when you go to go out and something stupid breaks and you spend 4 hours trying to track it down rather then open the bag and do a fast swap out. I always think of what will break and then find the parts and buy over time and just have ready. My friends think im crazy but they love when i say shit the boat is broken and then a couple hours later say its all fixed. I have also staryed a parts log. Anything i have changed or replaced i put the part # in it and the date of when it was changed. This will help with future repairs and knowing what ya need. As far as bravos i dont know shit about them other then they are heavy as hell. Good luck and hope this helps. Happy boating

 

[Dabble]

Are V-Drives not an option?

I have a 2000 230 bow rider with 5.7 efi and B3. Love the motor and have had zero issues with the outdrive. Just do the regular maintenance and get to know the electrical and cooling aspects of the motor.

1997 330 Sundancer has 5.7 efi and v drives. I really like the v drives and prefer those since mine is in puget sound year round.