I saw a 496 coupler on the I-net and it looks MUCH beefier than the standard Bravo one donut type Merc coupler. Anyone know about this? They state it's stronger as the splines are steel.

Its really considered a xr or hp 525 coupler. My stock merc coupler was looking pretty sad after 225 hours with 50 hours of stock power and 175 hours with 625-700 hp. It had steel splines but not the extended center. I have 175 hours with 750 then 950 hp on one like your talking about and it still looks real good,they are very durable unless your alignment is way off,Smitty

Thanks Smitty. so the extended spline will mount to any Bravo system? Anybody know where can I get the best deal on the extended spline coupler?

The hp coupler is the one with the extended spline...if you found a deal online then buy it...I paid 350 for a new one through the local dealer(list price).

Alignment is a real killer for couplers! We have thrown some pretty high HP numbers on stock couplers with good long term results. I have also seen a 25 Outlaw with 100hrs sheer the splines surely due to bad alignment. I would definitely spring for the coupler Smitty mentioned with extended splines next time.

Smitty, Is the spline grease that Merc recommends really that much better than anything else for the coupler??

Does anyone have a decent priced connection for these? PLEASE!! Thanks.

PN is 525-861523A9. The cheapest I found when looking for one last year was $325. + shipping.

I'm not sure if the merc grease is better,I always used synthetic wheel bearing grease until last year when I bought some oem merc grease at a auto parts store on vacation at lk winnie. There is blue merc grease and the merc peanut butter looking stuff that stinks,its not clear in anything I have in print as to which one is right either,Smitty

Panic, where did you get it? Thanks

Boatfix.com...Here's the link

Coupler