Merc Sportmasters
 

I've been hearing stories from racers and fellow Go fast boaters that the Merc Sportmaster drives arent holding up to the task. Anyone else having similar problems?

Why would they blow up after just two or three races when a XR still holds the line? I dont understand that just 25 - 50 HP could make that much of a difference.

Hey APBA.... bring back the allowance for XR drives with 525s.

Stock Bravo Lower is FASTER than the Sportmaster Lower in most applications.

The Sportmaster looks cooler - but is Sloooooooower.

Yeah...I heard the same thing.
The IMCO lower is better.

Sportmaster lower, Bruce.

XR drive.

I have a Sportmaster lower on a XR drive.

Two races with the Boyz on it.

90 hours overall.

(Knock on glass: ) No issues with it, except for the blasted splashplate falling off whenever it feels like it.

Drive oil looks good when it's changed.

Randy has the same XR/Sportmaster combo. He's been racing it since Savannah. No issues from what I've heard.

Also, no complaints about the speed. Neither on his boat nor on mine. Both seem to like the Hydromotive props.

Hey Peconic...check wit Randy . I think he is experiencing problems too

He does?

Yup..thats the word around town

I invited him onto the thread. Talked to him last weekend before I left for Euroland. Not a mention.

We need to get the six drives much more competitive for the SCL and SV classes, but that is a whole nother issue.

I have 3 for sale ........blow out deal for end of season

Alrighty, how much??? Are they shortys?? Have a pic?

deep vee guys
 

I'm not sure about you deep vee guys but the Sportmaster lower combined with the XR in a 'cat application works very well in-fact. during testing comparing it with the Imco, the speed was the same and the handling ,with the long skeg on the merc was exceptional. We had some failures but they were in the top end. overall the drive works well. Now once again that is a cat application surfacing the drive over 100 mph.

I agree however, an intermediate drive (between the 6/xr would be a instant hit.

as for the bravo being faster. can't think that slow

maximus

hey guys...

i have sportmaster xr's on my boat.... what applications are the sports slower...when are they not slower or faster ???

Don

Bruce
 

Hey bud I think you are confused. The sportmaster is an XR the only difference is the design of the lower case. The sportmaster upper has a steel tower in the cap where the XR does not. Just adds a little strength to the left rotation set up

So, what is it that is breaking on these things?

Is the sportmaster the Merc shortie?

You think the 6 is not competitive in SCL? We won a national championship witha 6 on the boat. Granted we had to pray for rough water. I do think they should eliminate the 1000# penalty for the 6.