Stock Bravo I, can I use XR upper?
12-05-2008 | 10:27 AM
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,635
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From: Toms River NJ
Stock Bravo I, can I use XR upper?
I've got a stock Bravo I drive, after 15 hours the upper shaft broke. Can I replace the stock upper with an XR upper? I don't want to replace the upper shaft and have the same problem in 15 hours. I'm only running 500 horspower. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!
Bob G.
Bob G.
12-05-2008 | 10:35 AM
#2
21 and 42 footers
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,207
Likes: 146
From: Richmond VA
You'll end up with a 1.50 ratio but yes, several of my buddies have been running XR uppers with regular bravo lowers for 1-2 years.
...and BTW: I have a buddy with an XR upper that was just serviced by a Merc Tech he's selling. (it's been offered to someone else and waiting on a reply)
...and BTW: I have a buddy with an XR upper that was just serviced by a Merc Tech he's selling. (it's been offered to someone else and waiting on a reply)
12-05-2008 | 09:53 PM
#5
Charter Member #601
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,276
Likes: 5
From: Holland, Mi USA.
Fast,
how old is the B1 drive? and what kind of weight is your boat. What prop, etc.
The reason I ask is that the XR upper gears wear out. The X gears will last a lot longer. Unless you have enough power to knock the teeth off the X gears, then I would stick with them. I have seen teeth break off the XR driven gears with as little as 650hp. My belief is the XR gears are not what they used to be. A properly setup X drive with a steel tower and good top cap should handle 500hp with no problem if driven correctly. Now if you have a large boat and pull skiers.. that's another matter.. Although $2k for the rebuilt upper is a very good price!! Your call. If you want to me to explain futher, feel free to give me a call. 616-335-8446
Hope this helps.
Dick
how old is the B1 drive? and what kind of weight is your boat. What prop, etc.
The reason I ask is that the XR upper gears wear out. The X gears will last a lot longer. Unless you have enough power to knock the teeth off the X gears, then I would stick with them. I have seen teeth break off the XR driven gears with as little as 650hp. My belief is the XR gears are not what they used to be. A properly setup X drive with a steel tower and good top cap should handle 500hp with no problem if driven correctly. Now if you have a large boat and pull skiers.. that's another matter.. Although $2k for the rebuilt upper is a very good price!! Your call. If you want to me to explain futher, feel free to give me a call. 616-335-8446
Hope this helps.
Dick
