Bravo 1x vs. Bravo 3x

[xxpilot]

Ordered a new 2011 Sea-Ray 250 SLX with the 8.2L Mag HO motor (430 HP)

Usually the Bravo 3 dual-prop drive is all that they offer on this boat, but seeking more top end and not doing much skiing/water-toy pulling I opted for the Bravo 1x drive instead.

My understanding is with the Bravo 1x I will sacrifice maneuverability around the dock and low-speed handling going to the Bravo 1 from the Bravo 3 and also time to plane will be slower with the Bravo 1x but top speed higher.

Then I've also heard that for some boats, the Bravo 1 did not produce more top speed than the bravo 3.

Anyone have any experience with the 2 drives on this type of boat?

I'll gladly sacrifice the time to plane and maneuverability around the dock for 2 - 5 mph more top end, but I just don't want to sacrifice the benefits of the Bravo 3 for no gain in top-end.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Bravo 1x vs. Bravo 3x

My direct experience was with a 23' low profile cuddy with a B1 versus my dad's 21' cuddy with a B3. Our B3 got out of the hole faster. The B1 went faster on the top end, by a little bit. We switched the drives between the 2 boats, and the other boat with the B3 got out of the hole faster, and our boat with the B1 was a little faster on the top end. By maybe 1-2 mph.

So you have to ask tyourself, is 1-3 mph worth the loss of slow speed (especially in reverse) manueverability? Only you can answer that.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Bravo 1x vs. Bravo 3x

Bravo III all the way....but it sounds like you've already made your choice.

 

[QC]

Re: Bravo 1x vs. Bravo 3x

The difference might be bigger above 60 MPH . . . but I don't think that is a 60 MPH boat. Bravo 3!!!