How does a #5 compare to a B-max or Imco extreme.

I've heard good thinks about the Konrad and of course the #6

I just dont know anything about the #5 Parts availablity and strength.

Don't know much about the bravo upgrades of B-max and Imco, but I can tell you from experience on the race course that the #5s can take EXTREME abuse. Albert and I run the Cig HARD with big power and they have held up. It is my understanding that you can still buy a #5 from Mercury, and parts availability are no problem. I just had both drives completely re-built in preparation for the new racing season. No problems getting new parts.

P.S., when are you coming down to ride the Pantera

Thanks for the info. I'm at a cross roads right now. I have my engine torn down and want more pwr. I have a fresh bearings and gears xz. I feel like I should sell the bravo assmy. and sell my engine parts . I would then be able to set up a killer out drive and then throw an engine in it next yr. (2008). A long time to wait

Or I could just rebuild what I have, shut my mouth, stop whining, and be happy.

I'm sure the ride with Albert might help me decide
in Feb I think(boat show)

Had #5's on my 04 Nortech, boat has appr. 175 hours. I sold it with 70 hours and never had a problem. Had 750hp per side, I thought they were reliable, but of course the #6 is better and is the crowd pleaser, but at twice the coin, I couldnt see it.

You know what you should do.

Up to 800HP - 1 Year warranty. No failures to date!!

KONRAD ACE

I know a source. . .

The Konrads are great. We run them on our own boat and have NO problems or failures. The units we havre put on customers boats are holding up the same.

How much power?

All things being considered you can't go wrong with a #5 or #6. In some cases the #5 is actually faster than the #6.

For me the Konrad would be the second choice.

If price is a problem, sell your XR and get a BMax HT. It's the cheaper route of the three and should cost around $10K minus whatever you sell your XR for.

Just my humble opinion.

I have seen several nice used drives I'm concidering. Does the bmax use a bravo gimble housung? What's it rated for?
I thought about selling my mtr after it was redone and my fresh drive assmy and getting a jam up out drive, but Iwould have to save for a year for a monster mtr. I just don't want to miss the boat that long.

My understanding is a b-max can bolt to a stock bravo gimbal and you have the option of buying a stronger one they can provide.Keep in mind the b-max has a hd upper but only uses stock bravo gears in the lower,Smitty