I have a 1998 Top Gun

I am running Merc 600 SC through Bravo 1 drives
(yea I know it is only a matter of time)

If i change to #3 (if i can find some)

will i have to change the transom???

what will these puppies cost me???

how much will i pay in MPH lost????

any comments or observations ???

Marc


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I tried the re-riging part on my ol, it's not worth it. find a boat with bigger drives rigged from the factory.

Get XR's aren't they rated to 750 HP or something, people in the know might correct me but they fit on the transom assemblies also.
I looked up parts on BAM and there is only one Bravo transom assembly listed with all the Bravo variables.

Sounds like a lot of work. You would need to fill in the transom, find out the correct X-Dimension, cut the new hole, buy drives, buy transmissions, move the motors forward (if you have room).

My "guess" is that you could find a used set and spend over $12G's for drives and transom assemblies. $2K for two used trans, and countless hours of work to rig it.

I would just buy a boat with 3's installed already as well.

Just my opinion.

hmmm looks like i just build up the bravos

already

I have learned much

Gotta love OSO

I did the conversion to my old 38 Cig with TRS drives.
I bought a pair of 3As complete with the gimbals & trim pistons for 7K.
Then the fun begins.............
Remove EVERYTHING from your engine compartment & transom. (time consuming).
Glass in the old holes (really not a big deal).
Now the hard part......
You have to figure out where you want your new X dimention to be. I was told by many people that on my application (straight conventional v hull) to keep the prop shaft between 3 and 5" below the bottom of the boat. I set mine at 4".
Now, cut out your new holes using a Speedmaster template (for the big hole and the bolt holes).
Mount the drives.
Get some heavy aliminum angle Iron and make your new mounts (because your engines will not be in the same place as they were due to the tail stock and your new X dimention).
Now you just need lots of odds & ends & you have a bullet proof drive system.
If your looking to have it done for you, e-mail me & I can put you in contact with someone.
Dave

Thanks to everyone for quick response

this question came up in a discussion the other day so i thought i would pursue it

the fast consensus is i will have to build up the bravo 1 and or carry a spare (looking into the later )

thanks for the feedback

The XR is rated for 600 hp. I broke one with 500 EFI's in the Cig, but had one survive in a 800 hp blown 26' cat. The weight of the boat has got to be a factor.

When I had the drive fixed they replaced the vertical shaft with a "new design" from Merc. They said the drive should be stronger now.

Hey marc Dave Meders did the exact thing you just said and it worked out great. You should call him about prices. I ran in it two weeks ago and it ran nice.