how strong are bravo ones
 

First thanks for the help so far on my engine build. After reading I started wondering if my bravo drive will take 600 to 650 hp. I don't race, just blast around the bay as fast as I can sometimes. Hoping to see upper 70's low 80's. Are there updates for this drive.

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

bravo one will last on a 24 if you take it easy on it.... xr version is probably what you will end up replacing it with when it does blow...

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

It will take it, but not for long. Start looking for an upgraded drive or your season will be interrupted.

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

I would at least have your bravo torn down and looked at. If your gonna run hard, which I know you will, your Bravo will eventually puke. Take it easy getting on plane and try to keep the boat in the water. Check your drain plugs for signs of metal on the magnets and change your fluid more often. If you are careful, it may live. But I doubt it.

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

It should take 600hp for a while only pushing a 24 baja. when i first procharged my baja and could only turn a 26 pitch prop to mid 70's it was fine with stock drive,when i boosted it up to 8 psi,added headers and started spinning a 28 pitch it was only a few rides before bravo destructed,good luck Smitty.
What size motor/brand of supercharger?

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

I have a 24' Outlaw with a 540 cu. in. / 600 hp. I have never had a problem with my Bravo. I don't run wide open all day long either...I also baby the drive getting on plane (no jack rabbit starts) and make sure to throttle the boat if the drive comes out of the water to keep from shock loading the drive upon re-entry...

Drive smart, save your drive...

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

Be somewhat gentle when getting on and off the throttles. If leaving the water often go easy on re-entry and your Bravo I should work out OK for a while.

I agree with zt260, start looking for an upgrade drive. If you find one priced right go ahead and buy it. Then you're ready to go when the BI does go.

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

If anything, you can upgrade your bravo with XR gears. I wouldnt wait until your B1 lets go. It will most likely be in the middle of the bay with a boat load of people. And that, just plain sucks. Been there , Done that

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

It is easier to upgrade now than fix a broken drive. It would be a good idea to have it torn down and inspected. If it needs fresh bearings and proper setup will help it live. Driving is the key for sure, but a properly built standard Bravo will live longer than some think. I put fresh bearings in my friends standard Bravo (1997 28' Checkmate) that he bought new. It had a stock 330hp motor in front of it for 3yrs and then a 588" motor in front of it for 4 yrs. The bearings were all shot.. couldnt believe he made it to the trailer the last time out. I put all new bearings and lower gears in it.. It has made it two seasons with out metal or trouble. So it can be done. He is making a lot more power than your 650hp, but it is NA..
Hope this info helps.

Dick

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

Run a 3 blade prop with a lot of slip.

I have 600's and it twists the prop shafts like candy canes.

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

I'm running 550hp with a 25pitch prop. I never baby anything and my old bravo 1 has 850 hours and never been touched. When she blows I'll fix it its a boat somethings gonna need work.

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

Wait till later this year for Konrads new shiftable drive. It should be a whole lot more reliable than any Bravo.

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

Doc John here runs 720hp thru Bravo Ones on boxes...on a cat however (33 Eliminator) and he is very careful, he has not blowed one up yet.

Runs easily 110 maybe a tad more , 1.36 ratio... Here it is and one waxing me...And his mills 600ci's

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

I ran over 600, with a 4 blade, had to rebuild the top end with straight cut gears and hardened shaft

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

The Bravo one is the weekest of all. I would suggest before you break a gear and destroy the housing, Merc has an upgrade kit for the bravo one. Same style upper gear except it has the improved floor that the XR uses. I raced on them for 12 races 740 hp on a 28 inch wheel. Has to be a better forging, they hold up very well. In the lower the verticle shaft is the week link. There are many options for this shaft and the prop shaft. I can give you part numbers if you want Smitty

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

Smitty, part #'s and cost would be appreciated, I am also looking to upgrade my existing Bravo 1's. 600hp, 30" prop on 38' scarab.

Re: how strong are bravo ones
 

Call Aaron or Jason at Max Machine Worx 928-505-7860 They are going to be at the Miami Boat Show in the Doller Offshore booth.