Has anybody broke a outer transom plate from power or speed.Im debating if i need the imco outer plate.They say the lower swivel pin area is 40% percent stronger then a bravo.For $1400 i would like to know if it is money well spent.This is for 1200-1300 hp 22ft cat. Im running a scx drive and imco gimbal ring.

I'd like to hear some opinions on this as well. I think this might be my weakest link.

fuelcustoms...glad to hear you are running the imco gimbal ring. I am a believer that if you are upgrading drives you might as well upgrade the ring. But I have a friend that just ordered a pair of the SCX4 and he does not think he needs the ring. Plus claims Imco told him he did not need the ring, or a new tie bar. IMO they are just trying to make a sale and let him buy piece by piece later, so they do not overwhelm him with price up front (good sales tactic though, not knocking them for that!)

I am a huge fan of the standard SCX. So overall not a negative comment on Imco, just sharing what I have.

SkiDoc, I think I remember you recommending the HD IMCO gimbal ring in another thread also.

With that, I also am curious on the Transom plate!

I would think as light as a 22' boat is you would probably be fine with out it. I can't really recall reading on here of anyone breaking them in that area. Then again with the stronger gimble ring that's probably going to be the next weakest point. One thing you better have is full hydraulic external steering.

I have broke one in organized racing and once in testing. The quality of the casting quality plays a big role in if, how and when they fail. We now run the IMCO gimbal.
Steve

One thing to be aware of, is that if a ring fails on a 1200 hp 22 ft. cat going wot, you're in trouble, it's "cheap" insurance. Small cat or not, you are still putting much more power through that drive than it can handle. Gears, shafts and other parts will most likely go bust before the ring.

I broke a standard merc gimbal ring at 83mph.. Not fun. Closed head injuries are not good!!
My gimble ring broke at the wear pad area. I put a HP gimble ring kit on and never had another proplem.
Now I am running the Imco gimble with the Merc transom assy, followed by an SCX. For the reasons A. O. suggests above.

I had to replace my outer transom assembly last winter as at the end of the season I notice a crack in the lower pin clevis area. Not sure when it happened. I put another merc transom assembly on. I have never hit anything so it must have cracked from launching and/or rough landings. I've had a few over the years.

I know there is a difference in the bravo gimbal ring and hp gimbal ring .Is there a difference in strength in the outer transom plates between the bravo and hp.

Did it break on that lower swivel fork?

QUOTE=smiklos@sunprint;3593344]I have broke one in organized racing and once in testing. The quality of the casting quality plays a big role in if, how and when they fail. We now run the IMCO gimbal.
Steve[/QUOTE]