Just curious. What's the HP limit for the bravo 1?

There will likely be other numbers, and I’ve seen several posted on OSO, but I’d guess about 500 is close. The real issue isn’t HP, but rather torque. Enough torque and you’ll ruin any drive. I always wondered why they needed a throttle man until I understood the result from “getting air”. Re-wet that prop with the hammer still down and you might need a tow. Thus the concept for the DriveGuardian coupler. Check out their website for the details.

If the props don't come out of the water it should handle the power

I think air is unavoidable in performance boating.

That's what I thought on the HP. I'm right on that edge with my HP 500 and Bravo I then too.

Drive shower, Billet cap and clean fluid is about all I've done. Easy out of the hole until on plane.

Thanks for making the thread

I just use Merc Gear Lube........

Not saying there aren't better options but that is what it was designed for

That really depends on what year it was...........

Merc used to put standard Bravo's behind 500HP's, 525SC's and 600SC's and they would live.
Then gear quality and overall quality control went down and Merc came out with the XZ and XR and X to live behind the same HP ratings that used be ok with regular Bravos.

We use AADS neo. Some use amsoil, which I’m sure is a good oil.

would stay away from merc green oil. IMO it’s junk. it runs hot, breaks down easily. Most everyone reports it turning black after 20 hours of use.

we have used neo for 35-40 hours some years and still looks clear and brand new.

The green high performance lube is now the everyday lube. This is the latest and greatest from Mercury and it even looks and smells like conventional gear lube: https://www.mercruiserparts.com/merc...e-gear-lube-sa