thanks guys, it's sure starting to make sense now.

If I find a good B3 2:1 for a good price I might consider putting it has it was but I was told that not too many props are available for that drive, are they regular props? and what pitch would they have been originally? if I could only get close to 60 mph I would be satisfied.

a BIII 2.0 gear ratio IS the same upper as a BI 1.50 gear ratio

The BIII comes in 1.8?, 2.0, and 2.2 ratios. These are the same uppers as the BI 1.36, 1.5 and 1.65 ratios.
There are a series of "standard" merc props for the BIII just like the "Bravo" props we are all familiar with......but not in as many variations.

then since I had the 2.0 ratio B3, the 1.5 B1 would be a logical choice. I tried a B1 with a 21 prop and the holeshots were terribly slow and I could not go over 55.
Is there something that I am missing or is that boat just too heavy and the motor too weak for anything else but a B3?

Do you also have access to the prop pitch that it originally came with?

I think your reading this wrong,,,the 2.0 and the 1:50 is a big difrents!!!!!

If u look at it like in a car ,,,the 2.0 would be the 1st gear and then 1:65 and then 1:50 and so on ,,,,,,,so basicly your running from stand still in the 3rd gear ,,,and now your prop is to big to JUMP on plain also to small to go fast at top end !!!!
Buy a used 2:0 lower and u be set !!!! unless u whant to spend more on time and money then the lower would cost u !!!!
LOts of acrivation ,,,,been there !

There is a guy in the classifieds selling Bravo 3's !!!!! Maybe he trade u for the Bravo 1 ???

I have a b3 lower with 24 pitch props for $1500, if you decide to go back to b3. I am switching to a imco -2 shorty.I hope I'm not going backwards. Tom

I just got a new drive for my boat and still have the original Bravo III. It's a 1.81:1 ratio, year 1997 and has about 380 hours. The lower unit needs re-sealing and maybe a new casing. It passed the pressure test but failed the vacuum test. The lower unit casing has corrosion but the upper is good and the internals are good. We used the boat with the drive 2 weeks ago. Everything turns freely without any noise. I think the lower units seals failed and it took some water in the drive oil. The drive is now out and flushed, looking to sell the whole thing or part it out. Miikka

Hey maxfred,there is a guy in the chriscraft section here,,,he has a Bravo III lower and is looking for a Bravo 1 Lower !!!!

Just thought i let u know ,,that may be your winner !!!