I'm repowering the cafe this winter so going to have the drives pulled and R&R'd while the motors are out. New motors will be in the same range of power as the current 525SC's. The boat was converted from TRS to bravo in 99 so now is the time to change the transom assemblies, and since the boat doesnt have hydraulic steering yet i'm wondering if i might be better off moving to ITS transoms. I've read original bravo ones are compatible with ITS given a shaft replacement, so it sounds like what i have will fit. Anyone done this? I believe i read somewhere that boxes lower the x-dimension, should i be worried about adverse handling or being too deep? The currently setup rides great with no porpoise, wondering if it would be a mistake to mess with whats already working well enough already.

The ITS is a nice setup. 7" of set back. Set back will allow you to run shorter lowers to get more of the gearcase out of the water. Your bravos will bolt right up with the longer input shaft. Hydraulic steering is a big improvement but if you're not seeking every last mph and the boat handles good and has a good running attitude now you might be better off not messing with adding set back and just add hydraulic steering to your setup now without the set back of the ITS.

The ITS will cost you more than just adding hydraulic steering to your set-up. You are not going to gain anything with the 7" setback with your power and you are going to spend $$$$$ trying to get it any better than you have now.

I have ITS on my boat, the box looks neutral to me so I don't see how it will lower the drive any

It doesn't lower anything, it sets the drive back off the boat a little further, where the water has come back up off the bottom of the boat and the prop has more bite in cleaner water. On a cafe it's completely unnecessary. And the price of an its will cost more than 2 new hp gimbals and imco steering

I just replaced the external steering with ITS boxes on my Playboy It is a lot of money but really cleans up the transom. Have not had a chance to drive her yet but the shop is saying no speed gain and it really wasnt expected

Thanks for the input folks. Will probably just replace the gimbals and add hydraulic steering, unless i can find a nice deal on a pair of used ITS in good condition. They do look a lot cleaner behind the boat.