Bravo to #6 conversion?
 

Anyone have good info on what it would take to convert a bravo boat to #6 drives? Say a Donzi ZR or fountain lightning that at least already has bravo ITS setup, so hydraulic steering already in place. I’ve done some searching but haven’t turned up anything. I’m pretty sure the motors would have to go forward. So changing center of gravity? Or would they be able to stay put with the nxt6 setup? But those transmissions are a weak link? A bigger boat is in our future and it seems bravo boats are reasonably priced while most #6 boats are still probably out of my range. Thanks for any insight.

By the time you buy drives, gimbals, trans, props it’s probably going to be a wash. Transom needs to be filled and re cut and motors need to move forward. It would make sense if you have a pair of number 6’s already laying around. Would be much cheaper to go with ssm 3’s 4’s or 5’s.

Why would the 3.4.5's be cheaper? Doesn't the transom still need filled and cut, plus of course motors moved forward.

How easy is it to find parts for 5's?

Depending on the HP you are going to run, you could go complete imco scx and gain the reliability and its a plug and play, you can even use the ITS box with a imco helmet, no changing engine position at all.

There is a 42 Fountain floating around with SSM 4s. Needs power but all rigging is there including three fourths of the exhaust. Mid $40s i believe. Glassdave did the transom and stringers right before the #4s were installed.

price of parts is why it would be cheaper, also as Rob said the scx conversation would be by far the easiest way to reliability.

I run a SCX-4 now but with an imco ext box and transom assembly. I’m my opinion the SCX drives are a lot of weight for a bravo transom assembly especially if running big cleaver props.

Agree on the SCX, isn't it hard to get SSV parts now? Curious because you will see them on some boats here and there and I thought part availability would suck.

Geeez it must be winter.............buy one done

I have a thread on it 42 poker run rerig. Went from a bravo ITS stagger to a 6 stagger. It is not a bolt in job nothing swaps. You will have to fill and recut your transom. Options include buying new or used. Nxt transmission or conventional. Transom assembly if you go with the original 6 drive you have a choice between dry and wet sump. Then you have to get driveline or plug in. If you go with the newer nxt m series the drive line and plug in are the same assembly. You just add the plug in or drive line adapter to the inner transom assembly. Wet sump has a oil reservoir on the inner plate for drive oil. Drives are either wet or dry sump. Wet being they are full of oil like a bravo. Dry they are only filled to the top of lower unit they have a pump in the nose cone that pumps oil to upper unit gears and bearings. Motors will have to move forward for transmissions. You will need bell housings and a new drive shaft. You will also have to add external water pick up. You will have to change your helm pump as the 6 drives have a different rating than the bravos. If you leave it it will take more turns to go from lock to lock. I'm sure I've forgotten some things but this is a general idea. If you want to you can PM me your phone number and I would be glad to share what I did.

Thanks Kwright. I’ve followed your re-rig thread, it’s been great! I didn’t realize your boat was bravo before. I’ll have to go revisit it, I may have jumped in after that part. Guys like you who are open to share their experiences are what make a forum like this great.

Dont you have a 25 OL now ? what size and power do you want to move up to

Yes 25 outlaw. 38-42’. 525s would be a good start.

I am just starting this process so not a lot of help to you. I've had the help of some very knowledgeable people. My boat started life with 6's so many parts are still there. XR's were added at one time so I am just going back. If your starting from scratch someone above stated that find a boat already rigged but no power might be an option. Having looked at a bunch of options this would be the easiest way to go. every once in a while you will see one for sale. And as for the 3, 4, and 5 ssm. I saw several of them all inclusive in, I think, Ohio for sale recently at a pretty good price. On this i could be wrong so verify but I've read the 3A's and the 5's are better with a bigger prop shaft. These too will require a trans. And the prices i've seen on a few aren't a whole lot higher than an XR set up. Again, I am not saying this is all fact but just what I've read.

You could go to the Sutphen forum and check out any 39's for sale!

With all new parts, you'll have close to a 100k in a Bravo to SSM6 conversion. SSM6's have their own built in hyd steering system.

Phuck that. Factor in your time invested also. Just buy a boat with 6's if that's what you want.

your pretty close, after drives and transom assemblies, you will have one drive line adapter, one plug in kit. Transmissions, bell housings, drive plates, drive shaft, driveshaft guard, tie bar, props, oil and trans oil cooler lines. Then a new helm pump for steering, even though the ITS has integrated steering the steering rams are much smaller than the 6 drives. You will also need a steering protection valve. Thru hull water pickup and sea strainer. If you go with the dual cooler bell housings, you will need rear mounted starters, and also flywheels with ring gear on the face side. It definitely is a ton of work that is for sure!

I dont think the transom needs to be filled, just re-cut and drilled for #6s. May have to dowel a few of the drilled holes from the Bravo

Alot easier to put Imco SCX -4’s on with #6 prop shafts.

Just buy this Cig https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...-s-o28312.html

That boat was on boat trader as a fractional lease

Appears to be a good deal. Someone will have to like the colors though.

Thats the boat that ran with Lock and Load one of the original 90 mph TG's

Kirk’s boat. Went to some funky charitable foundation and now for sale. If in same shape as he sold it, a deal. He told me it will porpoise until at certain speed (typical).

zero patience.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...3925af6351.jpg

It's really not going to be worth the money or time unless you find a rare boat that you want to keep for a long time. Plus factor in that 6s cost a lot more to maintain and freshen. I know you thought you would keep your very badass Baja for a lot longer than you have, so most likely the next boat won't be your last. Just enjoy it how she comes and maintain it, they all end up costing more to maintain then we want to admit! Lol! It's hard to swallow but sometimes having a spare bravo and freshing them as needed makes a lot more sense. As you know none of the SCX options are perfect either. There's just really no good drive options that make sense, we can try and tell ourselves whatever makes us feel better but they all have pros and cons, and every setup the cost is a major con LOL!

Since this will be a nice step up from your current boat just enjoy something that has good resale value and plan for the next boat.

great advice, and why my Quattro has bravos.