3pointstar

We have a cobalt 226 with 7.4 mph and bravo 3. We consistently hit 60 mph and when cooler 63 with about 25 gallons of fuel aboard. From what I've read 60+ mph with a bravo 3 is a gift. After that the lower end just wasn't designed to go much faster. But so much depends on the boat load and water conditions. For sure our boat turns like it is on rails and docking may be easier

All the best

3pointstar

Vortec Bandit

The lowercase itself is capable as it's shape is identical to a bravo 1. The shafts are identical to the Blackhawk and the Blackhawk props will fit the b3. Or a set of worked b3 props. At the speed you're trying to attain the b3 will work. The b3 will have a lot better manners than the b1

glassdave

iTrader: (1)

no, the BH drives never worked on the Bats, green boat is a B3. Volvo DPX is the best but Chris has the BIII working pretty well.

apollard

Shape is the same, but the actual case is larger.

IMO, at the speeds you're talking, the improvement from the B1 will be because you have the larger choice of props, not some huge reduction in drag.

So, as t500 said, try it and see - just be prepared to change props - it would be rare to hit the best combo first try. AND report back so we can get some data on this question.

Knot 4 Me

^^^^^^ I agree. Only way to find out is to try it and be prepared to try a few, if not several different props. The drive is pretty deep in the water on that boat so I'd start out with a Mirage Plus and go from there. .

boating4me

Thank you.... I do want to try it... BUT, I need help with what I am looking for!

What do I need to know about gearing? I am told that I currently have a 2 to 1 ratio currently, Do I just buy any B1 lower?

scarab63

iTrader: (5)

Had a 22 scarab w 420hp boat would run mid to upper 60s (68? Can't remember) with a b3 spinning 30p props. ( previous owner installed the b3 with 22? p props @ 45 mph @ Rev lim)

Swapped to a b1 running 25 mirage + then a 27 mirage.

Boat picked up an ez 5 mph (73/74) and was a lot more fun to drive. Trim it up, run a lot looser with a single prop. Boat always ran wet with the b3.

Hope this helps.

BUP

iTrader: (9)

bravo III are propshaft leakers all the time. More times than not I see these leak gear oil leak thru the propshaft seal while running the down the lake. the air pocket behind the prop(s) creates a vacuum that helps pull gear oil out the seal while running in forward gear down the water ways.

here is a SB about some Bravo info and gear ratios along with current and older gear teeth counts. IMO it is a very good info piece/ - FWIW to others

I will try to find and post the bravo III propshaft seal change SB to help with the gear oil leaks but it help a tad as they still leaked even with the newer seal replacement.

http://www.marinemechanic.com/merc/d...eplacement.PDF
.

boating4me

Scarb? Did you just bolt on the lower? Or, did you have to change anything else (gears to adjust the ratio)? Also, someone mentioned "oiler"? Does that mean that I have to find a lower that is an "Oiler" too? (or do I have to plug off the oil line on the upper and use a Non-oiler?

JaayTeee

If you put a B1 lower on your 2:1 B3 upper, you'll have a 1.5 ratio B1

The Xr lowers are the only ones that have different available lower unit gearsets