Panther

Yes, and the OB's are very similiar in design to the lower unit on an Alpha drive. Apha's have std. and reverse units.

Nicke

Hi all, new here. Great forum, really educational. Just took the boat up today for the winter, and we were talking about this. The boat is used alot, 2years old and allready 550hrs.

So If I summarize this thread there is nothing negative with switching sides on Bravo XR1, but rather I might lengthen their life a bit (double?) ? Am I Right or Wrong? (Incase it matters the boat is a 36ft RIB with 2*315hp Yanmar Diesels, top speed 55knts)

t500hps

Nothing negative.
As you have run them one drive has been in forward working the upper gear for 2 years, the other drive has been working the lower gear. If you swap drives you will now be in forward working the gears (in both drives) that had previously only been used for reverse. The "new" reverse gears were the ones that have been your forward gears for the last 2 years.

Nicke

Thank you t500hps! Live and learn! Didn't realize that the other drive is currently running "reverse" just thougt they rotated differently. So Both "gears" are equaly dimensioned and as tolerant for abuse I suppose then. That would explain that there can't be any negative technical issues.

One more question thou, when the drives are swapped does the rotation (inwards/outwards) between both still remain the same for them? If not does it affect the handling?

t500hps

What do you know.....outboard boy!!!!

t500hps

Rotation is determined by the cables running to the helm and how they are connected to the sticks. Just swapping the drives will not change the rotation. If you do change the rotation then turning the props in is typically a little faster at top end but harder to manuver the boat at the docks. Turning in could also cause the boat to be less stable at speed. (assuming your props are turning out at the moment.)

t500hps

THAT'S RIGHT!!!! I'll hit her from the front OR the rear!!!

Nicke

Thank you! Will most likely do this during the winter. IŽll post back next summer after the swap is done and got some hours on the boat again. Will also check the rotation so that its inward, if it isn't allready. (the boat is really nimble in harbour and very stable at top speed) If you ever come to Finland youŽll have a boat ride in the archipelago waiting for you!