[Barry]

Has anyone had problems with rain water getting into the engine bay of the Z275?

I have found that the water runs down the cover and into gap between the engine hatch and the swimming hatch (as indicated by the arrows in the phot attached) and slowly fills up to drip into the engine bay.

I would be very keen to hear if anyone else has had this problem and if they managed to resolve it.

Many thanks,
Barry

[ShabahZ280]

I would assume there's could be some sort of rubber seal that could be put in there, or perhaps a drain of some sorts, what does the back side of that area look like? Is there a trough inside for the water? Or enough room to try and put some sort of rubber seal there?

I have an issue with water getting into my engine compartment through the bilge vents. They're at the perfect place and angle for water coming off the top during rainstorms.

Best advice is if you're keeping it stored in the water, make sure the battery is charged, and the auto bilge pump works!

[Barry]

Thanks for the reply.

I agree that there should be some sort of rubber seal to prevent this water getting in but I'm afraid I dont see how this would work.

I think that I will have to get the cover extended to rectify the problem!

I also have the same problem with rain getting into the side vents.

You are spot on about the water pump!

As an aside what does your boat top out at? I have the same engine and get approx 45mph from mine, which if I'm honest is a little disappointing.

Regards,
Barry

[ShabahZ280]

52mph (gps) is the max I've ever been able to hit, that was on the Ohio River going downstream with a tailwind. Usually I'm right around 45-48 with calm water. This past weekend I was able to do 42 on Lake Erie for a short time. My boat has the Bravo 1 drive, which isn't the original outdrive (the original bravo 3 was stolen and replaced before I purchased it), I've always heard the Bravo 1 may be slightly faster than a bravo 3.

[rajjneef]

The theory of the Bravo 1 being faster is based on less drag with a single prop. The Bravo 1 will handle more HP than a 3 as well. My personal take is for a heavy boat like yours the gains of a 3 for getting on plane and control make it preferred. Now if you were to drop in more HP or really build out your engine the 1 would have its advantages. I love the 3 on my z242 as it jumps right out of the water. Mine will hit 52 GPS light load with the 5.7efi small block. Pretty impressive for this size boat.

[ShabahZ280]

I wish they would have replaced it with the Bravo 3, but since it was stolen while at the marina (along with 6 other bravo 3's), it was the marina's responsibility to replace it for the previous owner, so they went with the cheaper option, the Bravo 1. At least that's the story I was told....

Never driven anything with a Bravo 3, (just 1's and 2's and alphas) I hear the B3 makes maneuvering much easier and has a much better holeshot...