Merc 500 vs 525 questions

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09-22-2023 | 11:01 AM

#11

Ondemand

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sydwayz

400SS boats have a tendency to tear up Bravo drives. That's a lot of boat to propel through B1 drives, and that's why they can brake. t500hps posted about this in his search for a 400SS, that nearly ALL the 400SS boats he saw with B1 drives said "fresh drives". That's why he bought a boat with VolvoPenta diesels and their massive drives. And he's very happy with the setup and the associated fuel mileage.

Thank you for the advice. Not finding the 400 with diesel setup in my price range. ( 125k and under) Looking at one with 500s next weekend and found one up north with 525s that top ends and drives were replaced and full service recently completed.

09-22-2023 | 12:53 PM

#12

JaayTeee

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From: ankeny,ia.

I’d worry about the drives on the 500/525 boats in this application more than the engines, unless you just plan to putt around in it.

09-22-2023 | 01:22 PM

#13

Ondemand

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaayTeee

I’d worry about the drives on the 500/525 boats in this application more than the engines, unless you just plan to putt around in it.

Are the XR's the best drives for these?

09-22-2023 | 02:03 PM

#14

1MOSES1

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Buy my top gun with 500’s for half your budget…

09-22-2023 | 02:24 PM

#15

techman

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From: Mass

Quote:

Are the XR's the best drives for these?

Absolutely, I wouldn't go with a standard B1 on any of those.

09-22-2023 | 02:54 PM

#16

bencini231

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From: Paducah,Ky

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ondemand

Are the XR's the best drives for these?

I've saw one with the Imco SCX Upper and Dual Downshaft setup and that has to be the best way to go on the 400SS.

09-22-2023 | 05:11 PM

#17

Ondemand

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by techman

Absolutely, I wouldn't go with a standard B1 on any of those.

10-4, thank you

09-22-2023 | 08:04 PM

#18

jbraun2828

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From: Grand Haven, MI

The drives will be fine. There's hundreds of 40ss's running around without issues so don't over think it. Xr bravo 3's are a really good combo on that boat

09-23-2023 | 06:45 AM

#19

JaayTeee

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From: ankeny,ia.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ondemand

Are the XR's the best drives for these?

They’re stronger, but the lifespan of the upper gears isn’t as long as the helical gears, the gear teeth face will start to pit out, or, less frequently, the’ll break
a tooth off a driven gear, and destroy the upper case.

09-23-2023 | 03:46 PM

#20

Ondemand

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbraun2828

The drives will be fine. There's hundreds of 40ss's running around without issues so don't over think it. Xr bravo 3's are a really good combo on that boat

thank you