Hey guys, I’m looking at buying a 2005 2400sc3 with a 5.0 (220hp) merc and alpha 1 drive. I really like the boat and layout, and priced well, but worried about the 5.0. I’ll be using this boat for casual cruising. No watersports or anything. My big concern is how this combo will do with 6-8 passengers aboard. Will I be able to get on plane? Will the alpha 1 be up for the job? I see most of these have the more robust bravo drives. I will be able to sea trial this but will only be with 2 people aboard so would appreciate some real world feedback on how this combo would do with the extra passengers. Thank you!
With that may people on board even the 5.7 will be slow to plane but yes the 5.0 can do it. The Alpha is rated to 300 HP so I would not worry about it although good maintance and solid shifting (no slow shifts causing the dog clutch to chatter) will ensure a good service life. IMO trim tabs are a must.
What kind of boat do you have now? How many people do you regularly go out with?
I ask because, while everyone has grand designs of having friends and family out with them, this usually happens for about the first year. Then it slows down. Eventually, everyone overestimates how many people they will have on their boat. Beyond the every once in a while.
I got my 2400scr last year with the 5.0 and had the same issue. Had a hell of a time getting up on plane. This spring I put on the Bennet auto trim system with bigger trim tabs....GAME CHANGER!! Boat jumps right up on plane in a few seconds vs plowing through the water in the past. I'm sure you can do the same using the manual control ones, but I feel they are too small. And the auto feature is killer!!! Rides like a totally different boat.
2400 sc3 w/ 5.0 merc?
Linear Mode
