I was told XR drives take as much as 30 HP more to turn than std Bravo's because of the difference in the way the gears are cut.
Was also told by another gentlemen he lost 5 MPH going from STD B's to XR's. but that the XR's were much tougher.

I need input from the experts.

Thank You.

G.L.

bigger shaft and gears in XR drives if i remember correctly

XR's have straight cut upper gears,
( this is where the power gobbling occurs)
XR's and XZ's have larger prop shafts.

I've heard of XR's being 1 to 1.5 mph
slower, but not 5

jt

I'd agree maybe a 1-1.5 loss on top end.

On the other hand when race teams are trying for a Kilo speed record some will change to the standard Bravo for that extra mile an hour, but we don't usually see it. I think it has more to do with water and weather conditions than the outdrive.

If you have a boat/motor combination that requires the XR then go with it. In the long run it may cost you less than having to rebuild the standard Bravo's. Not to mention the down time you would have if an outdrive goes out on you.

Matt

we put xr's on a lot of boats and never saw any speed loss,but they were all big horsepower engines.i suppose that they might slightly affect a low horsepower application.i heard you sold your boat,whats next,chris

CHris,
Nice to ear from you I am seriously looking into stright bottom Tigers more than likely 2000 or 2001.
-Saw one with #6's and no power but I'm very iffy about not getting a working package, those #6's if they are messed up could eat up a college education!
-What is your opinion of Bulldogs?
-What is your opinion of Bulldogs with Bravos?
-Your opinion of 600sc's?
-And do you consider Merc's 600SC's a low HP application relating to the XR's?
-I like reliability more than the 2-3 MPH that a risky set up can give me.
Thanks Chris nice earing from you.
G.L.

if your going to expect a bravo to hold up with 540 ci or blower motors your kidding your self. unless you have a light cat hull. V hull better not go over 8000 lb range. bravo's will not take the torque bigger cubic inch motors put out. 600 SC you better drive it like a baby on a calm day (only my 2 cents)

www.go-fast.com/mercruiser_bravo_sterndrives.htm
This site explains the differences between the Bravos.
You can thank Marc at Bam Marine.

xr's should hold up no problem with bulldogs or 600sc.those motors hold up well also.we have a lot of customers with close to the same setups that have been as close to bulletproof as you can get.good luck with the boat hunt,chris

01 Tiger with XR's.....
Bulldogs with blowers....
2 seasons and only broke a vertical shaft, so far...