Looking for feedback on larger heavier boats 40' plus, 12000 pds and more, twin or triples 500 or 525 efi's, if are having problems with drives due to the weight of boat or hp of motors or a combination of the two. I heard Merc beefed up the xr's but unsure of the rumor and are looking to get some advise from you guys, thanks Jeff

I know there are some knowledgable people on this board, thanks Jeff

bottom line is you need a speed master for that size boat . bravo one was never intended for that.

Treadwell

Steve Simon at Donzi is very high on the new its with the bravo xr. I ordered my new 38zx with 525's, its, xr, sportmasters and hydromotive 5 blades. Since Steve added a notch (similiar to the ZR raceboat)he increased the X dimension and needed a better package to help performance. So far, the boat has better cruise and top end. The top end is about 4-5 mph better than the HP500 with bravo's. Can't wait to try it out...only 6 more weeks.

Jass, I am interested in hearing about the "rumor" that Merc has beefed up the XR drive in some fashion. Who did you hear that from and who can shed some facts on this?--------Like how it was done, when it was done or when it will be done, etc, etc??? thanks

Kaama, what I heard was at Billy Bolelegs this weekend in Ft. Walton, and yes there was some drinking going on but he was a Merc. Tech, and what he was explaining the differences between my Imco Extreme SC and the new ITS XR drives that have been out for a few months. What he stated was that Merc did something to the splines and teeth to make them stronger and the gears were about a 1/4" larger, thatsall I know, and how much of it is true, I'm not sure.

What Im trying to find out if #3, #4 , isn't that much more money and can get as a Merc. Package will those drives be better than the XR and how much more HP can they handle and will they require that much more hp to run cause of the tranny. So, do I lose 25hp per motor, 50hp or what. Thanks, Any help would be apprieciated.

TTT