1997 Arriva 2552 w/serious motor upgrade.

9645 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by bigdave196, Jul 24, 2009

bigdave196

Discussion Starter · Jul 23, 2009

The time has come, I want a bigger boat that is faster, more powerfull and wont cower to smaller storms when i'm out on the water. I found a suitable upgrade and I want some input on things that are more understood in this crowd.

MARDONZI, what do you think???

It's a 1997 Arriva 2552. It is powered with a 7.4L Mercruiser (chevy) that has been rebuilt to an estimated 500HP. I have looked around all over and it appears that the common power package for this boat was 300HP.
The new motor is a new 500 BULLDOG with the Edelbrock Marine Package. Aluminum Oval Port Marine heads, Roller rockers and Roller Cam. Single Carb Edelbrock, MSD Ignition. Estimated 500-525HP from BULLDOG.

Outdrive is a Bravo 3 with 26* props on it and spare 24* props that come with it, all SS props.

Former motor was not winterized and it cracked the block this last winter. He has reciepts for all work and parts done to boat. New motor has 8 hours on it. The Boat sat for 7 years in storage over court battles and the origional owner, so it has low hours.

What concerns or things should I look for on the test run and are there any thoughts or things that I should know about this boat before I start seeing "Tunnel Vision" becuse I want this boat, instead of looking at the whole picture.

Is the Bravo 3 outdrive capable of this power? 500HP

Do these boats have a well known or frequent issues/problems?

Here is the link to the boat and any input will be greatly appreciated.

http://www.petersenmarine.com/search...=DESC&page=2&#

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Mirage257

· #2 · Jul 23, 2009

It's an upgraded model from the original Arriva [ Bayliner] .
Max recommended HP was probably 500 .

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KineticoH20

· #3 · Jul 23, 2009

I always liked the way those old Arriva's looked.

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rrrr

· #4 · Jul 23, 2009

Only problem I can see is finding proper pitch props......dunno if those exist for B3s. When I replaced the 496/B3 in my boat with a 540 EFI package I changed the drive to a Bravo XR. My B3 had 26" props, so you'll need something taller.....

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Deano

· #5 · Jul 23, 2009 (Edited)

rrrr said:
Only problem I can see is finding proper pitch props......dunno if those exist for B3s. When I replaced the 496/B3 in my boat with a 540 EFI package I changed the drive to a Bravo XR. My B3 had 26" props, so you'll need something taller.....

They go up to 30 pitch. If the boat has 1:80 gears, it's good to go. If not, you'll have a serious stump puller with no top end. It is under propped with 26's either way

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rrrr

· #6 · Jul 23, 2009

Deano said:
They go up to 30 pitch. If the boat has 1:80 gears, it's good to go. If not, you'll have a serious stump puller with no top end. It is under propped with 26's either way

I would like to try that setup. My B3 was a 2.0.

I'm using a 5 blade 27" on the XR and it takes forrrrrever to get on plane.

sphss

By the way the Arriva is a great looking boat, and not a bad price either.

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DMOORE

· #7 · Jul 23, 2009

As for the engine, you say it's a new "500 Bulldog". The real 500 Bulldog is a very special 540ci race motor, Built by Mercury Racing. Not to be confused with a 500HP (502cu). The B3 is a great drive but it has serious limitations when it comes to speed. 60MPH it about tops for the drive. After 60 or so, the dual props basically become very inefficient, and many times will simply "blow out".

Darrell.

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Deano

· #8 · Jul 23, 2009

rrrr said:
I would like to try that setup. My B3 was a 2.0.

I'm using a 5 blade 27" on the XR and it takes forrrrrever to get on plane. sphss

By the way the Arriva is a great looking boat, and not a bad price either.

I'll trade you my B3 for your XR....kidding. My 1:80 B3 is behind 625hp on a 28 partycat and could jump out of the hole if needed. It has 30p props that are not even tall enough. Great set up for skiing/tubing, hauling a load of people and cruising under 60mph, just nothing north of 70; they start to loose their efficency. Comparable hp on my hull with a teague drive is 80. I think the B3 lower is a +12"

Sounds like you just need a different prop. I wouldn't change back to a B3 unless you don't care about the top end.

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KineticoH20

· #9 · Jul 23, 2009

iS THIS IT?
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1997-ARRIVA-2552-94129505

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rrrr

· #10 · Jul 23, 2009

Deano said:
I'll trade you my B3 for your XR....kidding. My 1:80 B3 is behind 625hp on a 28 partycat and could jump out of the hole if needed. It has 30p props that are not even tall enough. Great set up for skiing/tubing, hauling a load of people and cruising under 60mph, just nothing north of 70; they start to loose their efficency. Comparable hp on my hull with a teague drive is 80. I think the B3 lower is a +12" Sounds like you just need a different prop. I wouldn't change back to a B3 unless you don't care about the top end.

Like everyone I want it all......

It's a little hard to pull kids on the tube with the XR setup, but I prolly have the only Chaparral 256 that tops 70. My engine is 675 HP.

I think you're right about the prop....we have an excellent prop shop here in Dallas and they are good about helping with loaners. I should go talk to 'em.

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bigdave196

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 24, 2009

KineticoH20 said:
iS THIS IT?
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1997-ARRIVA-2552-94129505

Yes, that is it.

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