Convert 2900 SCR to Bravo 1 lowers?

[Couv]

I have a 2001 2900 SCR that needs both lowers replaced. The boat is the twin 4.7L with Bravo 2 outdrives version. Can't find used or refurbished Bravo 2's and don't want to spend $3000-4000 each on new ones. SEI sells Bravo 1's. I know the upper's are compatible, my question is does anyone know if the Bravo 1 performs acceptably on the 2900?

[mmwjr]

Welcome aboard

I think you mean the engines are 7.4 not 4.7 or could have ment 5.7.

Mercruiser designed the BII for large heavy boats before they could sell the BIII as Volvo had a patent on the dual prop. The BI is for high performance boats as the Alpha is rated to 300 HP max.

With that said older big , per Bravo boats came with Alphas which swing the same size prop as the BI so you could do it but will have to experiment to find the best props. Quicksilvers prop calculator may help. However you will sarfice performance, mainly acceleration and planing time.

[shrew]

I believe the 2900 came with 4.3's and 5.7's. There might have even been a 7.4 option as well. However, I believe the 7.4's would have come with BIII's.

[Couv]

Sorry for the typo, the engines are twin 4.3L, 190hp each, 380hp combined. Appreciate the feedback, hoping to find someone who's tried it, or knows someone who's tried it. I can't find anything but new Bravo 2's, myself and several others have been looking all over the country. Lot's of Bravo 1 options.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by Couv

Sorry for the typo, the engines are twin 4.3L, 190hp each, 380hp combined. Appreciate the feedback, hoping to find someone who's tried it, or knows someone who's tried it. I can't find anything but new Bravo 2's, myself and several others have been looking all over the country. Lot's of Bravo 1 options.

Have you considered BIIIs? Mercruiser offers a 4.3 BIII package but its with the MPI 220HP version.

As I said before the B1s would work since they used to equip boats this size with twin Alphas but finding the right props will take some work. Therefore you need to compare the price of the new B2s vs the used B1s plus props and assume you will need to buy tow or three sets before finding the best fit.

[speedysprocket]

Prop shop can also bend the props for less than buying a new one. So you just need to get close in that regard.