[96blackmariah]

I just bought a 96 mariah 200. It has a 5.7 rated at 210hp. I was wondering what is the maxium power the hull will handle? The outdrive has alot of wear so i was going to upgrade all of it. I have seen 5.7s with up to 325hp. Is that to much power? What is the best out drive to put?

[ShabahZ280]

If you've got an Alpha drive, I wouldn't suggest putting a larger engine than what you had originally. It will just become the weakest link in your setup. They're not the strongest outdrives. If you're going to swap engines to a higher HP motor, upgrade to a Bravo, they're built much stronger and can handle up to around 600hp.

The largest engine available for that hull from the factory was a 300hp 350 Mag which produces numbers of 54-60MPH. Anything more would be overkill in a boat that size. Your 5.7L should be putting you in the range of 50-56, according to the brochure.

Just an FYI, have you priced engine and outdrive combos? Here's some numbers.
A new 350 Mag MPI (300hp) with a bravo drive is running about $12,825.
A new 5.7L Carb'd (250hp) with a bravo drive is going for $11,350.

Probably best to just repair or replace your outdrive, and just keep the 5.7 you've got in there. Then when you upgrade to another boat, get the biggest engine you can.

[s.a.charlie]

very good advice

[96blackmariah]

Well a friend of mine has a 383 stroker sitting in his garage i can get for aroung 2000. And it suppose to make about 400 hp. Thats what i was thinking of putting in it. If i keep the same motor will a bravo bolt up, if i have alpha now?

[greencanuck]

Just a comment and someone else may have the specifics but there are things you need to address when using an automotive engine in a marine application. Strokers are little torque monsters so that is a plus. Be you got to watch the cam application, the carb needs to be a marine with the J tubes and the proper flame arrestor, and sometimes cooling and accessories can need some changes. Not saying it can't be done just wanted to give you a heads up so you can budget it out and make sure you do not end up spending more in the end.

Note: I have a Marine Demon, dual plane intake, and flame arrestor I was going to upgrade on a 5.7 merc that I am never going to get to. I you are interest send me a line and I can work you a good deal. Both are like brand new in boxes with manuals and Cd's.

[WetWilly]

Hi 96blackmariah,

The answer is no... the Bravo uses a larger transom/gimbal mount than the Alpha and I believe the bell housing, drive shaft, power steering, wiring, rams, shift and throttle cables, etc are different as well. If I remember right, the cutout in the transom is a little larger for the Bravo as well.

If your serious about converting over to a Bravo, talk to a Merc Service person first to get all the facts. Ether way, as ShabahZ250 posted, it isn't going to be cheap.

Another thing to consider, as well as Mariahs are built, they're not indestructible. As it is, the hulls are subjected to enormous torque and impact stress so adding excessive power and speed would most likely create unsafe handling issues or worse, cause failures with the hull integrity.

Just my .02 worth,
WetWilly

[96blackmariah]

Ok I can see i need to just stick with what its got. Maybe get a different props to change for different situations.

[ShabahZ280]

Good choice.