Gimbal ring
 

How many of you ever broke a bravo one gimbal ring.

I haven't broken a ring but have busted a few bellhousings.

I have broken a gimbal ring at 80+mph. = Closed head injuries.

Hey Dick, I'm still debating on HD gimbal rings My race guy tells me I really don't need them since I'm not turning at very high speeds, if I'm going fast it is in a straight line so I really don't need hd. Just wanted to get more input from guy's that have broken. I hate stitches.

Well I was headed in a straight line and bumped the trim switch one more time. The torque from the prop is what forces the drive against the gimbal. The farther out you trim in, the less area is in contact with the gimbal. Merc would not say anything definite, but it was there thought that the gimbal broke first then everything else let loose from there.
The HD gimbal looks the same, but at that time, I was told the casting technique was different for the HD, resulting it a stronger piece. I would think by now they would use the same casting for both, but I dont know.
And you may very well be able to be safe with the standard gimbal. Just keep an eye on the hinge pins, they are notorious for loosening up.

I dont hesitate to recommend the HD after my experience. Depending on how the boat is used and how fast, etc, the standard ones have a lot of hrs on them. I am thinking Procharger and my next thoughts are to replace the Merc HD with the Imco HD.. for a little added insurance.
If luck hadnt been with me that day I spun out my boat at 80+ I wouldnt be here talking about it. I was out for about 3-4min. and I always figured a splash of water would wake a person up.. not so. If the boat had gone over, I would have been done.

My thought is the standard units are good if kept in new condition. The HD hinge pin setup is much better and if they are stronger (assuming from info from the past), then it is a good option to take... just my .02
Dick

If you go over 80 absolutely get HD.

I broke one on my Advantage. I replaced it with a ITS gimble ring and bell housing. Fit perfect, all you have to do is cut off the trim mounts. Noticably thicker.

Bin there!!!!!! Broke one side from over trimming it. And I'm sure bouncing off the bottom while at the beach did not help! :hitfan: Jeff