Can you make a surface drive out of bravo
 

So I would really like to put surface type drives on my boat. I have been researching all of the available options, and have to come to the conclusion they are all very spendy. Could a guy take a bravo xr put the imco -2 lower on it and then add the imco extension box which lifts drive another 3 inches up. I realize alot more measuring and correct prop depth reasearch would have to be done to get the correct depth, but I am just trying to get an idea if this would even work. Then run some surface piercing style props, and have basically surface drives? I have a 86 357 formula with straight bottom, no notch no step's. I know these boats came from the factory with kaama drives, so I believe surface drives should work with this hull. What does everyone think about this?

Many high performance boats can what I call, surface a Bravo drive. Fountain race boats are a good example. However I do not think you have the hull for a really high x-dimension. It will only blow out and probably not even get on plane. Maybe check with the factory on how high you can go.

By the time you spent that much money you should be close to an arenson/bravo conversion and then have a setup that is known to work.

I realize the money side of it, but as far as the theory being put into practice, is it doable? If the hull would work with arnesons/ kamma's, why would it not work with the bravo's? It would be the same concept as a #6 would it not.

All other factors negated, I think even if you did do this you'd be seriously limited by the diameter/type of prop you could swing. A lot of Arneson and other surface piercing setup's use some monster wheels to work efficiently. I think prop selection will kill the setup even if everything else went off w/o a hitch.

Why do it in the first place?????? You may even loose performance and the ability to carry the bow enough. This would translate into running the hull wetter and a slower top speed.

I am having my motors built right now and I currently have trs's which I know will not live to long behind these engine's. I know everyone will want to say Konrad's which is fine but I like being different. I would really like to do a surface drive set up, a. they are unique b. they will hold the power c. I should be able to pull about 10 more mph on top end if set up right d. they look sweet throwing the rooster, and hanging off the back of the boat. But 50k plus on arnesons!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seems like a recipe for blowing bravos...

Thank you;)


....and cracked/broken prop blades

If you want surface drives then put surface drives on it. Otherwise you will end up with a cobbled up mess that will probably run slower than it will with a Konrad conversion.

You Might Want To (Google) The Mercruiser Blackhawk Surface Piercing Stern Drive.
 

The Bravo conversion has already been done in the past for you.:coolcowboy:

And if your serious about changing over, Then I have the perfect link for you.:coolcowboy::hitit::drink:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...rive-sale.html

I was going to ask about the blackhawk drives. How much hp can they take? Is this a possible solution for a surface drive/conversion?

Not any more power than a pre X series ( thin floored)bravo

Can you find kaama drives anymore?

Bravo style drives are not any stronger than TRS drives unless you go to something like a BMax or SCX which is going to cost you 30-40k for the set up.

Best bet would be to find a set of SSM 3's, 3A's, 4's or 5's and recut the transom.

Bingo! My Donzi runs that high x-dim and I have an an almost surface drive height as seen in the rooster tail. Not too many Bravo boats throw a rooster tail or as Brad said can! It really depends on the hull design. My boat was the Donzi in house boat for four years and I can tell you they had every size spacer, shorty, etc. on it to dial it in.

It needs a set of Arnesons! :D

Hey Rik, I have a formula 357 which has the trs set up currently. Is there any way to re use my borg warner transmission's, and leave the motor's where they are? Or do I need to move motors back and purchase the bravo conversion kit? Your product really is my 1st choice, I just am trying to get the cost down a little. What are my options with the trs/borg warner set up? Thanks!!!

I think it would be easier and cheaper to just buy another boat then do every thing you are talking about. But then again dreams are free.:rolleyes:

Buy a 357 with Kaamas already on it from the factory. There is a mint one for sale here in NC. Jeff Wurl

You can leave the engines where they currently are. That being said, the boat would be better if you didn't as the CG would be better with the engines rearward like they are with the Bravo drives.

TRS trannies... If they are a flange mount then yes, plug in ... I would have to see if we could get a drive line to connect between the two. If so then yes.