Outdrives

kevdawg

Cadet
Joined
Feb 11, 2006
Messages
9
I have a Mercruiser 7.4 ltr with Bravo 1. Is there any benefit to go to a Bravo 3 dual prop to gain more top end?<br /><br />Thanks Kevdawg
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Outdrives

I've had the privilege (if you want to call it that) to drive 2 identical boats. Both 28' Bayliners with MPI 7.4 engines. One had a B2 one a B3. Both ran the same top speed, both had the same time getting on step. The only thing that changed is the better low speed steering.<br />A customer upgraded from a B2 to a B3 and reported no difference in speed or planning time.<br />Even the Mercruiser reps will tell you that there is no gain going to a B3 until you get to about 50 mph.
 

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: Outdrives

I have heard that there is or was a severe corrosion issue with the Bravo3's. (Galvanic)<br /><br />Was that early B3's and the newer ones are ok or was it an "Urban Legend or people that refused to replace the zincs regularly?
 

Mischief Managed

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
1,928
Re: Outdrives

Bravo 1 has less drag than a Bravo 3 and should give you higher top speed. Bravo 3 typically gives better holeshot than a Bravo 1 (not Bravo 2, which has a much bigger prop than a Bravo 1). <br /><br />I have a Bravo 3 and it seems to require more attention than other drives to prevent corrosion, but it's perfectly fine if you keep an eye on it.
 

TilliamWe

Banned
Joined
Dec 21, 2004
Messages
6,579
Re: Outdrives

kev you will almost certainly NOT gain any top speed with a B3. And you also lose the ability to try a variety of props. There are dozens of props for your B1, there are only Mercruiser props for B3 and the sets are no cheaper that $850 new.<br />Corrosion is not an Urban Legend on B3's. You have to keep you eye on them and make sure your Mercathode system is working properly. But they will corrode quite a bit before they are "junk". Right Dave? You've got pics of my drive somewhere, and it's still not leaking gear oil!
 
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