Bravo 3 props

[SlickLarson]

I have always had Volvo, but I now own a boat that is mercruiser. I bought it without any drives. It had Bravo 3s on it and I have ordered 2 new 2.2 drives. I was not aware that there are now several different options for 24 pitch props. The volvo drives have no aftermarket stuff available. I am really interested in fuel mileage and achieving a low best cruise speed. I'm interested in changes between different props for the Bravo 3 drives. Specifically differences in mpg and slowest planing speed.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Bravo 3 props

Welcome to iBoats . . .

Probably not a lot of science available with Bravo 3 prop sets, as they are about $1K, so folks tend not to experiment. The biggest factor would be to make sure you have the proper drive ratio and prop set pitch for the boat. I sort of doubt that the aftermarket variations are going to be a world of difference.

Tell us more about the boat, etc.

If you are buying 2 new Bravo 3 Outdrives and Prop sets , , , gotta be close to 5 figures $$,$$$ if not more . . .

 

[SlickLarson]

Re: Bravo 3 props

I am buying 2 new seconds with 3 year warranties. That's going to set me back just under 9k. I actually have done some extensive work with engine torq and props on my 310 Slickcraft. When I first purchased the boat, 1.2mpg was my best cruise. I have now gotten it to a consistent 1.6mpg and as high as 1.7mpg in the right conditions. It doesn't seem like much but I put over 4,000 miles on these past 2 seasons so it does add up to a decent amount of savings. And when you multiply 158 gallons by 1.6 it gives a lot more range, easily making it to one more port before needing fuel.

I am installing the same 2.20 drives that were originally on the boat from the factory and I plan to use the same 24 pitch. I see 4 different options with the Bravo Props.


Signature FOUR by 4 which is 2 4 blade props
Solas makes a set with a 4 blade forward and 3 blade rear
Mercury new design with a a 4 forward and 3 rear
Mercury original design twin 3 blade set

There has to be some people on here who have switched for whatever reason....

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Bravo 3 props

Stick with the original design for your boat. Solas is junk, the new Merc design is not ideal for a cruiser, the 4x4 will not get the best overall performance for those BIII drives.

 

[clj]

Re: Bravo 3 props

Mercury has dealers that will lend you various props to try out at no cost as long as you do not ding them up. They may charge you a deposit for the full retail price of the props that you get back when you return them. I had one dealer that met me at the ramp with a bunch of Bravo III prop sets and we tried a half dozen of them before I settled on what I wanted. And, with the B3, you *can* for sure mix and match pitch sizes between the forward and the rear prop. Whatever works best for your boat, expected load and conditions is what you want. And, you can for sure buy used B3 prop sets on Ebay for 25 to 50% of what a new set will cost you. You just have to be patient.