38fountained

Anybody running bravo IIIs on an older V hull 38 foot. Any comments or suggestions on feasibility. 28 pitch props. Thanks..

BUP

iTrader: (9)

The Bravo III's will be newer than the boat because BIII's were not around in 1992.

Also Mercruiser currently does not recommend BIII's for speeds over 65 mph. Years ago Merc listed it at 70 mph for BIII's. Also Bravo III's will help planning times, low speed handling and in reverse / backing up. The average claim is 15 % better acceleration.

They also will give up about 3 to 4 mph and in some cases 5 mph on the top end depending on the hull app and set up compared to Bravo I. Also BIII's do not like to be trimmed very high and especially when corning. It is understandable as the aft prop can grab air when trimmed to high and or the hull leaned way over when corning.

IMO I like the bravo III's for Rec and heavy type boats especially for lower powered apps needing some help but for sportboats I might pass on the bravo III's especially if over 70 mph apps. They also can have a few problems especially prop seal gear oil leaks when running but will still pressure test good trying to find the leak. FYI

38fountained

Thanks BUP, I got a deal on two used ones. My 38 SC with 2004 496 s cant do 70mph now on a 1992 hull
So if I can cruise at 45 reasonable rpm and save fuel I figure its a good upgrade??

dereknkathy

they don't really save fuel. plane quicker. low speed handling is better. all because there will be 4 props in the water. also gotta check which gear ratio they are. i would sell em and buy B1's. everybody with B3's needs them cuz they leave them in the water all summer and all that stainless rots the cases away BAD!

38fountained

I'll be on a lift 95% of the time and my bIs are 1992s

pstorti

iTrader: (2)

slap em on and see how it runs, that is the best way to find out if they will work well or not. You already have them.

38fountained

Well not exactly, but do have a good deal in the works.....