single or dual ram?
#11
Tell that to my friend who flip a 24 eliminator and killed his girlfriend.Single ram broke on a bravo running a 496 @ 78mph!! 1000$$ is well worth the extra safety besides all components will last alot longer.Let me know if you see a P class race boat with 525s running a single ram..He ask the question and take whatever advice is giving but I would give up a few weeks of gas money and purchase two..\
Just my 2
Just my 2
Then I would say it like this:
Single over nothing - go single
Twin - even better
I have talked to lot's that pass on steering systems because they are scared to spend $4,000 bucks. Those I tell to at least go with a single.
I still don't think it is fair to compare the conditions faced by a race boat to a pleasure boat though.
#12
#13
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I still don't think it is fair to compare the conditions faced by a race boat to a pleasure boat though.[/QUOTE]
Depends on the driver and water conditions. Twin drives dont bother me as much as a single just because the opposing rotation pushes againest the tie bar!!! Single drive even at low HP #s loads the drive in only one direction and a hold hell of a lot after flying.. I set all standards by what we learn from racing!!
Poker Runs have the first stops 10-30 miles running WOT. A good OSS race now days might have a 3-5 mile straight. Even the Bud Boat will only average 110-120 around a coarse..I have been in my fair share of flips and wreaks and I try not to put price over safety..Good discussion but a single bravo will kill you just fast with 500 hp than my 40 skater with 2600hp.Due the math 2600 hp running 4 rams / 650 per ram divided by 2 because the props turn in..All so if you run two if one blows out you still can finish the day..
I still don't think it is fair to compare the conditions faced by a race boat to a pleasure boat though.[/QUOTE]
Depends on the driver and water conditions. Twin drives dont bother me as much as a single just because the opposing rotation pushes againest the tie bar!!! Single drive even at low HP #s loads the drive in only one direction and a hold hell of a lot after flying.. I set all standards by what we learn from racing!!
Poker Runs have the first stops 10-30 miles running WOT. A good OSS race now days might have a 3-5 mile straight. Even the Bud Boat will only average 110-120 around a coarse..I have been in my fair share of flips and wreaks and I try not to put price over safety..Good discussion but a single bravo will kill you just fast with 500 hp than my 40 skater with 2600hp.Due the math 2600 hp running 4 rams / 650 per ram divided by 2 because the props turn in..All so if you run two if one blows out you still can finish the day..
#14
Poker Runs have the first stops 10-30 miles running WOT. A good OSS race now days might have a 3-5 mile straight. Even the Bud Boat will only average 110-120 around a coarse..I have been in my fair share of flips and wreaks and I try not to put price over safety..Good discussion but a single bravo will kill you just fast with 500 hp than my 40 skater with 2600hp.Due the math 2600 hp running 4 rams / 650 per ram divided by 2 because the props turn in..All so if you run two if one blows out you still can finish the day.. [/QUOTE]
Agreed, you can't put a price on safety.
#17
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At 70 mph a single ram should be plenty unless you intend to drive abusively. The factory set up on a 2004 496HO Rage (70 mph + and more on the new wood free hulls) is the stock Mercruiser internal steering. I have an IMCO single ram on a Nordic Rage running mid 80's operated for three seasons and nothing but good performance though most operation is not at WOT. LOL.
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Dual Ram w/wing plate....the two rams effectively create a set of gussets, the cylinders/gussets serve to share loading on the gimbal pin,stabilize tolerances in the drive/gimbal and reduce transom flex....The wing plate replaces the bearing cap as the connection point,the cap has been known to break.
#20
I have one of their twin ram "kits" It is complete with all the goodies from helm to end cap. You just have to make sure taht they speck everything out. It is a nice product and I would not run my ZX at big speeds without one. I felt it was a good value but it was not $2,500