Ran Dom
 

How are your Bravo shop lowers performing? What speeds are you hitting with your single step? What rpm's, etc. What props did you find that were the best? I can't remember, what hp are you turning? Thanks.

Re: Ran Dom
 

They work great, It seems to run best with stock 30P Bravo 1's @ 5300 85 GPS - I have not tried any other props other then Bravo 4 blades, not sure whether hydro's or 5 blades would perform any better.

Re: Ran Dom
 

What speeds were you running with stock lowers and what rpms? 85 mph is a good speed. I can't remember, what engines do you have? Are you running the same props that you did with stock lowers?

Appreciate your response.

Re: Ran Dom
 

the boat ran 81 with stock lowers & 28 Labbed Bravo 1's turning 5300 RPM my motors are HP 500 carbed (slightly warmed over)

Re: Ran Dom
 

here's a pic :drink:

Re: Ran Dom
 

:d

Re: Ran Dom
 

Good looking boat! What year is she? You ran 5300 rpm with both lowers, and picked up 4 mph with the shorties. They did work for you. This is good information. I believe that I should be in a similiar situation with a 2001 Classic. Thanks again. Glad the shorties worked for you - any downside at all to them?

Re: Ran Dom
 

Thanks, she's a '99 Model & the only downside to the shorties is the cost. :eek:

Re: Ran Dom
 

That's what I'm struggling with. But it sounds as though the cost does justify your speed gains. Now to convince my better half that the cost is worth it!

Re: Ran Dom
 

Ran Dom,
Thanks for posting your results so far, been watching to see how you made out. Questoin: are these results the same as when you tested the Merc Sportmasters, or are the Bravo Shop lowers better ? Again Thanks, and keep us posted an any testing.

Re: Ran Dom
 

Is that a 1:50 ratio?

Re: Ran Dom
 

yes 1.50

The sportmaster -2 lower was virtually the same results, the only difference was I was using labbed 30's that I borrowed for the test. (I have not tested with labbed 30's yet) I did notice I had no trouble planning with the Bravo Shop lowers & the boat seems rock solid on the top end. (I did not have the cavitation plate bolted up when I tested the sportmaster lowers)

Re: Ran Dom
 

Did you find a market for your used Bravo lowers? You must have had no water pressure issues, like I have read with the Imco's? Did the prop gods think that you would have any more performance with 5 blades? I was told that if I did the upgrade that I should try the 5 blades in case there was slip from going higher.

This is good stuff for those of us thinking about upgrading. Thanks again.

Re: Ran Dom
 

I did manage to recoup some of the cost by selling my stock cases. No water pressure problems with my set up. (next year I'll try 5 Blades) need to save some $$ for gas :eek:

Re: Ran Dom
 

Any test results with Imco lowers on the same boat?

Re: Ran Dom
 

What kind of water pressure issues are you talking about?
I also have been thinking about going with another set of lowers.

Re: Ran Dom
 

Apparently the front water pickup on the imco case is a bit larger compared to the merc. or B-Shop lower which in turn causes higher water pressure. This increased pressure may cause a problem on a standard open cooling set-up. A pressure relieve valve or sea strainer can be used to relieve this increased pressure.

Re: Ran Dom
 

I agree with Ran Dom, have a couple friends that run the Imco lowers, both had high water pressure issues, both installed strainers and dump some off. My understanding is that Imco has a kit of some sort to create a pressure relief.

Ran Dom --- That is a nice gain you made there, shorties cost some dollars but likely the cheapest speed gain avaliable, once the prop sorting out is maxed. Keep us posted if you get a chance to try some other props. Did all the internals change over ok, and allow for proper set up specs ?

Re: Ran Dom
 

My water pressure went thru the roof when I put the Imco shorties on.

But to heck with these shortie drives. Someone needs to step up to the plate and put in a couple of those new Merc 700's with the new style drives. Peter, you are nominated! With your dealer discount you should be able to get those packages on the cheap - probably around 60k each vs 83K retail. Then you would have that 100+ mph turn key boat :)

Re: Ran Dom
 

Thanks for the vote of confidence. If I buy the first one are you throwing in for number two ? I would for sure cut you in on the dealer net price for the second one. Actually I can bum a seat with MV 35 , He's run 109.9 so far , or get in with my other buddy, Anthony , he's running 100+ as well , best part of Anthony's boat is it's an anniversary , so it's just like being in my own boat. The single step 35 hull is as at home at 100+ as it is at 80+ , makes you think you should take advantage of the hulls ability to run those numbers........................ There I go with that thinking thing again , If I think too much , I'm going to end up just like you !!!!!!!

Re: Ran Dom
 

At just $60K each why fuss over who's picking up the second one? I just wonder how much effecient that new drive is vs the 6's, Sportmasters and Imco's.

Re: Ran Dom
 

You're right what the he!! is 60K between friends!!!!!!!!

The local Donzi dealer just finished rigging up a 35 ZR with Ilmor's and the new Imco 1000 SC drives (with tranies). Have not stopped to see how it runs yet, but they had some high hopes.