Impeller Replacement discussion from iceout thread

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Those are great drives. The "floppy vane" impeller design change when they went to gen 2 was brilliant. I know some people hate changing the impeller in the drive, but it's a lot easier than changing the impeller on my engine in my Bravo 3 equipped boat. That Bravo pump is in an awful place to access and the impeller is only good for 2 seasons max. The only plus is that I don't have an oily mess to deal with when I change it.

I agree, matter of fact if you think about it, the basic design of the Alpha I has remained relatively unchanged since it's original design. A true testament to a very good design and having had a couple of these drives apart they are built like tanks IMHO. Yeah the impeller is kind of a pain to deal with having to split the drive but I use that as an excuse to also re-seal it to. I planned ahead and just pulled the drain plug in my stern drive so it should be fully drained by Saturday so less messy.

I was really surprised to see the bravo 3 has an external impeller and I think that's unacceptable it only lasts a couple of seasons. Good grief! Then again I've talked to several boat techs over the years that haven't had to many good things to say about the bravo 3. Thing is if you're paired up to a big HP engine or have a boat that really needs a duoprop setup your choices are limited to the Bravo 2 or 3.

No matter I'd take the Mercrusier any day over a Volvo.