Repowering a 2855 cierra-gctid363938

[Guest]

So ive had my cierra 2855 1999 for 12 years now. I bought it with the underpowered 250HP engine with the alpha 1 drive. Ive spent the good part of the last 12 years at full throttle on this engine and Im looking to upgrade. Ive done some research. Looking at the Merc 383 stroker(350hp) with either a bravo1 or bravo3. Also looked at the 357 Merc(325hp). Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to go. What issues i may face with going from the alpha 1 to the bravo? I plan on keeping this boat for life so dont necessarily want to trade it in for a different boat.

Thanks in advance

Steve

[carguy]

Regardless of the engine, I'd look at converting to duo-prop. Before I got my 305, I had a Larson cabrio 254. It was the only boat I've owned with duoprop after many merc alpha drive boats. The difference is startling, hole shot, less wandering etc. The D/P vs BIII argument can go on for days but I'd recomend either of these options over a BI.

[Guest]

Both engine choices sound good, get a bravo 3 not a bravo 1. Bravo 1 are more for high hp performance boats for speed, you want something that can give you better handling and lift that big beast out of the water, go with the bravo 3.

[2850Bounty]

carguy wrote:
Regardless of the engine, I'd look at converting to duo-prop. Before I got my 305, I had a Larson cabrio 254. It was the only boat I've owned with duoprop after many merc alpha drive boats. The difference is startling, hole shot, less wandering etc.

Steve, I agree with Doug re; going with the Duo Prop drive.

The Duo Prop is quite different and the design cannot yet use by others.

I'll go one better, and suggest the Pre-Gimbal system drives.... I.E., DP-C1 or later.

We have a BOC member (Wayne Miller) who did this on his mid 80's 2850 with a BBF and DP-C1, and is very pleased with the performance.

As for the 377/383 version, this too would be a great choice, IMO.

Since you own a 28 footer, I'd also recommed that you speak with Roger (owner) or Phil at MM, and talk to them about their Q/E build that they are willing to do.

.

[Four_Pyrates]

Hi Candy,

I had the same boat with the same power plant. I wouldn't get too far off the reservation about the engine/drive. It works SO WELL, but is slower than its heavier, gas guzzling 7.4 sisters. The heavier B1/2 drives can be put in without transom cutting and changes. The new 5.7's already have mpi and 300 HP, so it will work better anyway. The Alpha one is much cheaper to repair, both internally and the props are a lot less. I like the lighter weight of the 5.7 verses an 8.1 (496). Although, if speed and power is the goal, the 8.1 will not struggle as much as the strokers, and cammed up high output small block engines. Best of luck with it.

[Guest]

Is there any reason you left out the 454 as an option? Most of these boats I see for sale have the 454 and I've heard they're great with the B3.

Edit: Actually, nevermind. A 383 would probably be perfect cause you save a hundred or so pounds with the small block, but have all the power you'd need...

[706jim]

A drive with two props (either manufacturer) will impress you in real world rough water conditions where you have to keep hull speed to 14-20mph. The double prop drives "hold" a plane better IMO. They also back up much better. One fact rarely mentioned is the amazing "bite" of those two props in reverse. They can really stop the boat quickly when docking.

[Guest]

Thanks for the responses. Rick, can you elaborate on your response, im not sure what your recommending as i dont get the acronyms(ie. MM(Michigan Motorz??, DP-c1,Q/e Build) thanks

Steve

[Guest]

ok..basically your 2855 was the same as my 2700 scr maxum...mine came with the 6.2ltr b3 drive package....personally after the experiences I had with my boat...I'd put that 6.2ltr mpi engine and b3 drive...the only difference for you will be the transom hole required for the drive and mounting of the drive....

the 6.2ltr mpi engine is awesome...lots of bottom end torque to get you out of the hole and plenty on the top end for good cruising.......yeah...the engine drive is rather expensive...but it allows you to maneuver better in close spaces...I could litterally turn the boat in it's own length with that drive..try that with an alpha drive.......the b3 is much better close in manuevering capabilities...

the 6.2 ltr mpi is a standard merc build and can be purchased complete.....

good luck...

as usual this is my opinion from past experiences with this engine package and is not open for debate.....:livid:

:arr arr

[Guest]

I would stick with merc and NOT go duoporp. Thats alot of work to convert over to the old volvo drive or even one of the new ones.

Why not just keep the better quality mercury equipment in there? opop

[2850Bounty]

biohazard wrote:
I would stick with merc and NOT go duoporp. Thats alot of work to convert over to the old volvo drive or even one of the new ones.

Why not just keep the better quality mercury equipment in there? opop

Ryan, I see that you're fishing here!

You just lost 1 Rep Power point! :kidding

OK.... fair play.

If doing a full repower that includes a new or used drive replacement, the additional work to install a Duo Prop is peanuts for the person who is capable of the job in the first place. These are much easier to work with than the Mercs.

If the person is not capable, then by all means stay with the Merc.

Many do not understand that the BIII propulsion is not the same as the Duo Prop. To understand this, you'll need to understand the prop design differences.

Granted....., the BIII will outperform the Duo Prop at speeds above 40-45-ish as per what you can find on the Internet.

The Duo Prop will outperform the BIII at speeds below this..... and the OP's boat is certainly within this lower speed range.

Tag.... you're it, Ryan!

.

[msd58]

A full repower with engine and drive you are talking about has to be $15000 ticket ! I would consider selling boat and getting something else with more power

[Guest]

2850Bounty wrote:
Ryan, I see that you're fishing here!

You just lost 1 Rep Power point! :kidding

OK.... fair play.

If doing a full repower that includes a new or used drive replacement, the additional work to install a Duo Prop is peanuts for the person who is capable of the job in the first place. These are much easier to work with than the Mercs.

If the person is not capable, then by all means stay with the Merc.

Many do not understand that the BIII propulsion is not the same as the Duo Prop. To understand this, you'll need to understand the prop design differences.

Granted....., the BIII will outperform the Duo Prop at speeds above 40-45-ish as per what you can find on the Internet.

The Duo Prop will outperform the BIII at speeds below this..... and the OP's boat is certainly within this lower speed range.

Tag.... you're it, Ryan!

.

haha you know i always gota give ya a hard time, with wayne gone someone has to keep you on your toes Just want the OP to consider, with a volvo swap your looking at different linkage cables, hardnesses, controls, etc also above and beyond the drive/motor. Both would be a good choice, whichever it is. I am a merc fan, they havnt let me down yet, but if I had a volvo I would gladly take it as long as its not one of those ocean x drives

[Guest]

Anyone have a good source for rebuilt Bravo3 outdrives? Ive gotten good prices on the engines but cant seem to find a good source for the drive

Thanks

Steve

[Four_Pyrates]

CandyO wrote:
Anyone have a good source for rebuilt Bravo3 outdrives? Ive gotten good prices on the engines but cant seem to find a good source for the drive

Thanks

Steve

Steve,

You won't get a low quote on B3. It is an expensive way to go. I've never had the docking trouble with a standard propeller, so I wouldn't buy one just for that reason. Someone said 454..Obsolete and all you will get is thin metal on these rebuilds. Are you salt water or fresh water?