TRS VS Bravo 1
 

I currently have the TRS drive in my boat and I'm thinking about changing over to the Bravo 1. One of the reasons is to try to get rid of some weight on the stern. So do any of you guys know what the weight difference would be between the two? Also would the durability of the Bravo be as good as the TRS? I was told that Mercruiser rated the Bravo to handle 650 HP.
Thanks, Steve

Re: TRS VS Bravo 1
 

no. but you can get parts for the bravo :rolleyes:

Re: TRS VS Bravo 1
 

The Bravo wont hold up better than the TRS. Going to a Bravo is a downgrade in reliability and a VERY expensive proposition. You would be far better off switching over to a Konrad. It's a bolt on replacement for the TRS. The Konrad needs only oil changes and will not brake!!! They have ZERO failures on their hi-performance drives.

When you convert to a Bravo you will change the CG of the boat when you move the motors back. Depending on the hull you may loose performance even though you are dropping some lbs off.

Re: TRS VS Bravo 1
 

And you'll definitely need parts if you switch to bravo!
Weight savings will be from losing the 100lb tranny. The bravo drive may save you 20-30 lbs (never weighed them, just lifted them).
But as was pointed out, it's expensive. And IMHO, a standard bravo on a heavy boat with more than 400hp will be less reliable than your TRS.

Re: TRS VS Bravo 1
 

The weight #'s depend on whether your rig has the MerCtrans or B/W transmission. The B/W, cast iron bell-housing, cooler, etc. add 150# over the MerCtrans. Gary told you right if it is the B/W tranny, but I wouldn't try to put much over 400 hp through a stock MerCtrans set-up. The TRS outdrive will handle just about anything you want to run on pump gas. --- Jer

Re: TRS VS Bravo 1
 

I thought bravos were considered pretty reliable.......are you guys just talking about big horsepower?

Thanks,
Aaron

Re: TRS VS Bravo 1
 

I have the MerCtrans II. I'm not sure of the year. The serial# is 0014128. Model# MOM-E. As of now it's a stock 420, however I would like to bump it up a notch or two. I don't plan on making over 600 HP. So does anyone know how much the MerCtrans would weigh, and if I do go with the Bravo, how much father would the engine sit back?

Re: TRS VS Bravo 1
 

Going from the mercII trans/TRS to the bravo, the engine moves back about 4 inches.
DS

Re: TRS VS Bravo 1
 

I think most of your weight saving would be in the outdrive change. The MerCtrans/bellhousing assembly. is really not that much heaver than the Bravo bellhousing/rear mount assembly. But unless you plan to make some extensive upgrades to that MerCtrans and NOT be a cowboy, I wouldn't recommend trying to put 600HP through it. Might just as well upgrade to the Bravo (for which parts are readily available) and plug it all in two or three inches higher in order to take advantage of today's modern prop technology. --- Jer

Re: TRS VS Bravo 1
 

The weight savings in changing to a Bravo will be MOSTLY in removing the trany not the drive. I'll say this again. Changing to a Bravo is NOT an upgrade but a downgrade from a TRS. You will have to plug your transom, move your motors, get all new inner transom plate/bellhousings etc. You will most likely need to replace your exhaust as it will be too long for a Bravo configuration. This will be a major re-rig and will cost some seriouse $$$$ .

A Konrad BOLTS on! No moving/modifying/replacing ANYTHING else. It is far stronger and more reliable than any Bravo configuration. You also have a modern prop selection and it's shorter than the TRS. Konrad also has stand off boxs' availible.

Check out; http://mywebpages.comcast.net/p4-33/

This is the Fountain of Youth P4 class boat. Two seasons on ONE set of drives. They are in KW now beating the competition who run Bravos!