maxfred8

If I find a good B3 2:1 for a good price I might consider putting it has it was but I was told that not too many props are available for that drive, are they regular props? and what pitch would they have been originally? if I could only get close to 60 mph I would be satisfied.

t500hps

a BIII 2.0 gear ratio IS the same upper as a BI 1.50 gear ratio

The BIII comes in 1.8?, 2.0, and 2.2 ratios. These are the same uppers as the BI 1.36, 1.5 and 1.65 ratios.
There are a series of "standard" merc props for the BIII just like the "Bravo" props we are all familiar with......but not in as many variations.

maxfred8

then since I had the 2.0 ratio B3, the 1.5 B1 would be a logical choice. I tried a B1 with a 21 prop and the holeshots were terribly slow and I could not go over 55.
Is there something that I am missing or is that boat just too heavy and the motor too weak for anything else but a B3?

maxfred8

Do you also have access to the prop pitch that it originally came with?

snowboy

I have a b3 lower with 24 pitch props for $1500, if you decide to go back to b3. I am switching to a imco -2 shorty.I hope I'm not going backwards. Tom

NYW

I just got a new drive for my boat and still have the original Bravo III. It's a 1.81:1 ratio, year 1997 and has about 380 hours. The lower unit needs re-sealing and maybe a new casing. It passed the pressure test but failed the vacuum test. The lower unit casing has corrosion but the upper is good and the internals are good. We used the boat with the drive 2 weeks ago. Everything turns freely without any noise. I think the lower units seals failed and it took some water in the drive oil. The drive is now out and flushed, looking to sell the whole thing or part it out. Miikka