i have two bravo one drives on my boat, one goes in and out of gear smooth and quiet and the other one makes a clunk noise when i put it in forward and reverse. i was told it was just the difference in the way it was machined. is this true?

Welcome to the boards.
It is usually play in the cables. It can be adjust so not so abrupt an engagement. Is that motor idling higher than the other ? That can do it to.

welcome to the world of reverse rotation..one drive when you put it in gear it push's the upper grars down,the other counter rotating will push the upper gears up into the cap..so they will sound differant.

Also - be sure to check that your prop is tightened down to the appropriate amount. I doubt that is it, but just a thought.