+1, also depends on weight. If its pushing a 38 top gun, not going to last as long as a 28 or 32ft boat. My drives are original, pretty sure they've never been rebuilt.

Cost seemed like it was around 3500 for rebuild and 5-6000 for new.

He also needs to be looking at the gimbal ring. If its subject to a lot of rough water use the gimbal rings can go at 150-200 hours even on a stock 502 28ft boat. Previous owner had to replace the transom assemblies at around 200 hours on my boat.

Friend has a 1989 Formula 272 with 509s @ 610 HP each with Bravo 1s and only had one minor issue with them. Maintenance and how you drive big factors.
Me I had a 271 Fastech with a Whippled 502, 637 HP and broke 2 Bravo 1s. Went to an XR ran it for 5 years no problems.

5. drive set-up/shimming

Having the proper clearances and gear mesh is critical.

Smaller twin engine boats will be easier on drives than same size single engine boats. Drive failures are fairly common in any 27ft+ single engine boat running bravo one with more than 500hp.

The biggest factors are HP/torque, weight and probably the biigest factor is the driver.

They will last between 5 and 1000 hrs depending.

The best thing to remember is that a bravo is not a surface bearing drive , keep it in the water and it will last alot long than if it breaks free, that is when most of them blow. they arent that expensive so if your using it for performance keep you a spare around and you can change them out in acouple of hours easy. That way you dont miss your time in the water and you'll enjoy boating a lot more!!!!

Thanks for your input, guys. I was thinking 28' or under, single engine, ocean use. I heard so many horror stories, I became concerned that Bravo replacements would become routine service. Some people even said XR's are a waste of money over a standard Bravo One. That's worrysome given the large price premium of an XR. I believe Merc's website gave the following specification (but no longer shows it on the product page):

Bravo One 400 hp
Bravo One X 450 hp
Bravo XR 600 hp

Michael

400 Hours here behind 425's in a 30' boat. Easy out of the hole, and smooth with the throttle hand and they still look brand new inside. Oil changes every 25-30 hours.

+1

I had a new style Bravo XR 1.50 on my 28 Arrow. Padded/vented keel.
875hp 572ci.

With:
- good shower (own design)
- foot throttle
- 10h oil change

It was with out any probs with me just around 2000 nautic miles, both race and pleasure. Pulled the motor and sold the boat and as far as I know the new owner runs the same drive w/o any issues. Now with a 650hp.


Mange

you guys will probably not believe this but i have a bravo with close to 2000 hrs behind a stock 330 1989 spent its life in fresh water has been resealed thats it, oil changes 1 time per season