It also depends on the operator, boat weight, and prop bite...I know people that run 700HP and have 400 hours on the Bravo XR’s but they run light boats and know how to throttle. You never hear the props chirping.

The people that have a lot of problems run WOT 90% of the time and don’t know how to pull back when the boat comes out of the water. If you are that kind of operator then you should probaly go with a TRS, 6, Teague or Konrad...

I also have a very similar question. I have a 1995 Formula 336 (almost 9k lbs) with 525SC's (Innovation rebuilt to 560hp) with HP gimbals and brand new Bravo X's. I am about to install the motors, and have not run these drives yet. The boat originally came with standard bravos, and they lasted without fail for the previous owner. I replaced them because I knew I would get the power increase with the rebuild.

My question is - will the bravo X's be OK if treated carefully, or are they likely to fail. I have already installed Simrek drive showers. Is there anything else I can do to make these drives last??


HOTCIG - I didnt mean to run over your question. Take it easy on the drives...Maybe drive showers could help if you are not in the market for significant upgrades.

Above is a good idea...

Don't exceed 3000 rpms until on plane...

yup, no hole shots-ever. How about Konrads?

I want to thank everyone that replied. All good advice and I'll keep it in mind. I'll attempt one season on them and I'll see what happens. I hope to have the XR's on for next year but even with XR's I've heard a lot of bad stories. It's tough with a heavy boat with big power. Thanks again to all!! I'll keep you posted this season as to how they work out.

I ran 645 HP/600+ ft-lb Sterlings through standard Bravo 1's on my Formula 311 for 5 years without ANY drive issues. Easy out of the hole, good throttling technique, and change the lube every year.

Little different story with these engines in a 382. Have upgraded to Max Machine prepped XR's.

I have always kept a spare drive ready.

I had the same results with a 31'Cig Bullet with 625HP per side. No issues whatsoever in 3 years....and I didn't run it easy. But....never took it over 3000 rpm's getting on plane. I changed the fluids every 25 hours and was taught how to throttle by someone who really knew what they were doing!!