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Bravo XR longevity/upgrades

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Old 09-20-2025 | 09:10 PM
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Default Bravo XR longevity/upgrades

Purchasing a 41’ boat that I have been on in the past, friend sold it 10 years ago, 575 SCI’s tuned at 750hp with Bravo XR drives 4 blade 32p props. I know these drives can be questionable with power but driving style can make them last longer. Are there any upgrades, things to consider to make these drives last behind this boat?

I know regular oil changes and avoiding hard hole shots/keeping the props in the water is a good idea. Thank you in advance for your input!
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Old 09-20-2025 | 09:33 PM
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Drive showers seem to help.
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Old 09-20-2025 | 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by xlint89
Drive showers seem to help.
I forgot to mention it has drive showers
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Old 09-22-2025 | 04:23 AM
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Just build a spare and keep in truck. Easy swap when necessary.
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Old 09-22-2025 | 09:49 AM
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That is the best plan. I carried a spare XR drive with me for years. It doesn't take up much room in the bed of a truck. I used it a few times and loaned it out quite frequently. It only takes a few minutes to swap one out at the ramp.
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Old 09-22-2025 | 04:48 PM
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Carry spares, deal with constant breakdowns, chase the next cure, spend time and money and find a support group that will tell you what you want to hear but in the end you’ll be back at the same spot you are in today , just with a lot less money. The smart people are swapping to arnesons even though everyone here are loyal to bravos they are paying dearly for their loyalty
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Old 09-22-2025 | 06:35 PM
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Time for an SCX or similar if you outgrew / got sick of the bravos
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Old 09-22-2025 | 07:24 PM
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Spares , hard shim the input shaft pinion and dump as much water that
you can to keep the upper cool.

And put a lot lower expectation on how long the’ll last
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Old 09-23-2025 | 06:19 AM
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Originally Posted by CheckmateScarab
Time for an SCX or similar if you outgrew / got sick of the bravos
Or there is this. and This is exactly what I did w my T/S after chasing XR issues for the first 8 years. I caried a pair of XRs and props- because I had 1.50 and 1.36 ratio drives.
Then 7 yrs of Trouble free- well No Drive Issues- Boating.
Over 800 HP.
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Old 09-23-2025 | 07:20 AM
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How many hours in those 7yrs of boating?
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