switching from XR to HT B-max
#3
Havnt done it but I see your going to be putting them on a 36ft cat. My buddy had them on a 37 talon and in two years blew up around 5 or 6. We switched to number sixes and no more problems. It also seems Bmax's slow the boat down quite a bit compared to a regular Bravo. The drive should just bolt on though.
#6
Registered
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 969
Likes: 0
From: Mahopac New York
We have them on our 382 Fastech that is for sale now. It was pretty much just a bolt on. It did slow the boat down abit. However, the plus side is we have not broken since. I should add we are running supercharged 572's.
#7
Registered

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 825
Likes: 30
From: Antioch, IL
#8
Registered

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 150
From: Atlanta
How much heaver do you think it is than the bravo?
Does it seem to shift the same?
Did you reprop and what gear did you go with?
sorry about all the questions
#9
Registered

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 825
Likes: 30
From: Antioch, IL
I don't know how much heavier it is but if I recall it is about 180lbs. It shifted very hard at first but shifts normally with hours. I have the 1:30 and had a 1:50 bravo I went from a 32 to a 24 Bravo 83.6 GPS. I'm rebuilding the engine now freshining and adding a couple (it is apart) we'll see next season.
#10
I'm under the impression that B-max only sells there drive with merc 1.36 lower gears or the other steep lower gears because the 1.36 gears have poven to be slightly more durable. I do know they are using merc lower gears,not some extra strong aftermarket version or anything. Has anyone tried re-gearing the drive with merc 15/19 1.50 lower gears? By cryoing then giving the lower gears a multi-step surface treatment that ends with them having a very smooth finish I have gotten the 15/19 1.50 gears to last much longer then they ever did in stock form on my boat with a bravo drive. My understanding is that most boats go slower when switching to a B-max because of the extra friction of the larger upper gears and bearings but what I'm wodering is if some guys are losing speed from the overall gearing and re-propping why not try going back to 15/19 lower gears once the warranty is up,Smitty


