Bravo two to Bravo three ???

[Cherman]

Has anybody removed their Bravo2 outdrive and replaced it with the braveo 3? I'm considering this to reduce fuel consumption in the cruising rpm range. Not too concerned with getting anymore top end. But don't want to loose any either. I have noticed Boats newer than mine and in the same lenght and weight range are equiped with Brave3s. Also that their manufacturer's rated fuel consumption is better than mine for the same type engine. (454) I also know that the Bravo 3 wasn't around when my 270 was built. Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated. Thanks, Hermy[/b]

 

[Guest]

We replaced our Mercruiser Blackhawk drive with a bravo III. It was very easy to do, literally 6 nuts. Your cruise speed will probably stay the same, top speed reduce slightly and efficiency increase slightly. The most noticeable difference will be how fast you get out of the hole and how much easier the boat is to manuever.

 

[Cherman]

Guest:
Not sure what a blackhawk drive is, But was probably one prop. Did you stick with the same drive ratio and prop ratio from the old drive?
Thanks, Hermy

 

[Guest]

Yes, you want to stick to the same ratios. The drive doesn't have to be the same ratio; you can compensate with a different pitch prop. The final drive ratio should be the same, which is a combination of the prop pitch and drive ratio.

The swap should be very easy for you. Basically, you unbold the trim rams, unbolt the drive, unhook the shift cable, pull off the drive, and ten reverse th eprocess with the Bravo 3. If you have done it before, it should take about 1/2 hour. If you are new to it, it might take you 2 hours.

 

[Salty Joe]

Seems to me you could buy an awfull lot of fuel for the cost of a Bravo III with 2 SS props. If you do buy one make sure it's one of the newer models that Mercruiser used a different Aluminum alloy on. The older ones have had a few problems with Galvanic activity deteriating the casing.

 

[Cherman]

Salty Joe:
Thanks for the input. I am aware of the corrosion problem in the earlier year B3s. The lower half of my B2 is pitted pretty bad from electrolysis from the previous owner mistakes. The unit has never been rebuilt, only serviced. ( with the exception of the spring ball detent for shifting) That makes it 12 yrs old. I am hoping to get a little more top end out of the boat using the B3. But mainly a better cruising range and better handling at idle. My boat easily walks on the starboard chine due to the rotation of the eng and prop. I can compensate with the trim tabs. Props are not much of an issue. I have a few favors I can pull. But the bravo three OW series is big bucks. No favors helping here. My ratio on the B2 is 2:1. I have noticed that most of the new boats that are in my weight and length range are using a 2.2:1 ratio with a comperable h.p. engine. I also have a friend that has a 96 Baja with a B3. He is switching to a B1. His ratio is 1.81:1 and that is one of the corrosion years for the B3. I know I can compensate for the ratio difference with prop pitch, but that seems a bit too far for compensation. I think it would be like putting 13 inch tires on a pickup with a v-8 that would have 16 in. tires because the ratio was way too high for the taller tires. not the best setup for that vehicle. I think I would loose handling and hole shot because the pitch is too small for my size boat. Anyways i could get his B3 rather cheap but don't think it is the wise way to go. So 2:1 or 2.2:1 Not sure which way to go. Thanks, Chris