Bravo Gimbal Ring Repair
 

spring is nearing and so is the dreaded job of trying to repair my bravo one gimbal ring.
i have been reading in these forums for a few weeks now.
i am probably going try and have my gimbal ring repaired by jr marine instead of spending 700 bucks for a new one.
has anyone had their gimbal ring repaired by jr marine?
does it hold up well? or will i be doing it again sooner than i like.
also the swivel shaft cover plate kit jr marine sells is this a good kit,how well does it hold up?
i am also going to buy his stainless swivel shaft.

i do not race my boat or push it to extreme limits i baby it.

the reason i am asking for some extra insight is that the boat is kept in the water for the summer months
in michigan,lake st. clair.

any insight from some people who have used the above mentioned procedure on a sick bravo one gimbal ring would be appreciated greatly.

I have not used jr marine but had a gimball repaired once. It lasted about 20 minutes.

If you are going to have it repaired, send it to Ron Bender, "Wild Thing" here on the board. He can repair it better than new and he also sells a very cool stainless swivel pin for it.

After you fix it, you might want to add external steering. Bravo rings losen up alot, even on low hp and moderate use. If you use it hard anyone here will tell you to add external. Your saftey at high speeds would be in question if not added.

Just finished up a buddies boat this weekend. The gimbal ring was reworked by JR and we had to send it back once but they stood behind their work and returned it quickly and in great shape:D
It's a job, but much less work than pulling the engine in some cases.
Won't know how it holds up til summer.
Dave

sent it back for what?

Re: Bravo Gimbal Ring Repair
 

NordicHeat how long did it last before JR had to re-do it for you? I'm going to watch ebay for a new one in the coming months but I'm not looking forward to this repair!

Re: Bravo Gimbal Ring Repair
 

Wowchad,
It was a machining issue that was found prior to re-install so it is on it's first repair and appears to be working flawlessly.
Dave

Re: Bravo Gimbal Ring Repair
 

I am rebuilding a spare one and will send it to Ron Bender for welding and machining. I remember a few years ago, in Powerboat, someone has a tool to remove the top nut that is a wrench with a weird angle on the handle and once its inserted in the drilled hole, you turn the steering to loosen and reverse to tighten the nut. Sure looks a lot more sane than Fred Flinstone with a hammer and a chisel.

Re: Bravo Gimbal Ring Repair
 

Yep! He did mine and it was great. 100% satisfied - And, he always answers when you call. Quick, good work! Thanks, Ron!