bravo 2 outdrive
 

Anyone running a bravo 2? Is it too much for a 23 cc. Might have a package with anew 350 mpi.Any help appreciated .

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

Hey Wags,

I don't know if it is a bravo 2, but it is a big block merc. Chris is a good guy, just not on as often as some of us wish. Check it out and if you want to give him a call, send me a PM and I'll send you his phone number. I don't think he'd mind.

P.S. I run a Volvo penta 290 drive mated up to a 350 CID/260 HP I/O if that helps. The hull is rated for 500 HP, I believe. 400 anyway to be sure.

http://www.classicseacraft.com/chris...tre/index.html

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

Thanks Big Lew, I met Chris in Scituate Harbor on the water and we talked quickly about our Seacrafts.I have a 350 mpi fwc now just ran into a good deal on a Bravo package.

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

Sounds like the makings of a good combo! I hope to put a new engine in mine when I can. I'd like to take it up to 320 - 350 HP. Not sure about a MPI though. The 290 outdrive is pretty much bullet proof.

I see you're from Boston, I'm up in Newburyport. We should talk sometime and compare notes. PM me a phone number.

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

I am not 100% sure, but isn't the bravo 2 made for big heavy boats?

Bravo 1 and 3 for most sport-boats.

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

Look here:

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines...ves/drives.php

Looks like the Bravo 2 is the work horse of the Mercruiser line. I'm sure it would work on a 23 SC, but based on the larger prop diameters it will handle and the higher gear ratios available compared to a Bravo 1, it's intended for power, not speed.
Dave

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

My local Mercruiser rep says while Merc says it's good to 60 mph, the Bravo 2 is really intended for boats that have a top speed of 35- 50 mph, as the larger diameter of the props causes excessive blade tip cavitation at higher speeds. Going above 50 mph takes special (read expensive) B2 propellers.

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

The only Bravo 2 outdrives I've ever seen were on 35+ foot Houseboats. It is a massive outdrive w/ a mega sized prop.

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

It's just about the size of the old Mercruiser TRS-II outdrive. I saw a 36' SeaRay with twin Bravo II drives a few years ago. It had twin Mercruiser/Yanmar diesel powerplants.

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

Would it cause the boat to pull to one side? Could I prop it to run good? or go with bravo1 or 3

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

No more than any other single outdrive

Sure, it can be propped well. It's a very heavy-duty drive. But unless you're getting a really great deal on it, the B1 is a better idea from a financial standpoint as it usually costs quite a bit less. But it's as good or better than a Bravo I.

It is, however, much harder to find propellers to fit. You're almost certainly going to have to special-order, and most dealers won't let you freely try different props to get one that works optimally when they have to special order each one. Figure on spending $1K on the prop plus aluminum spare.

I STRONGLY suggest PowerTech props for Bravo II. Mercury offers only 3 blades for the B2 on their website. PT Prop offers up to 5 blades, in 18.5" and 17.25" diameter. (For speeds above 40 mph, you would need the smaller diameter)

You can download their catalog HERE. You would need a class F prop for B2 drive.

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

My question to you is why go with something that was not made for the application.

Its like putting a Allison transmission in a Miata.

Go with a 1 or 3. The cost to move up to a 3 is nil over the 1. However it is the props that will set you back.

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

It was part of a package 350 mpi, bravo 2 ,and transom assembly. Maybe I could trade for a bravo 1? OH well!!

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

I believe all of the Bravo drives bolt up to the same gimble housing, assuming they're in compatible model years. You can take the serial number of the gimble/transom unit and should be able to buy a compatible Bravo one or three and make it work.

Re: bravo 2 outdrive
 

"It was part of a package 350 mpi, bravo 2 ,and transom assembly. Maybe I could trade for a bravo 1? OH well!!"

You may not remember the Fram oil filter commercial, but this reminds me of it, "Pay me now or, Pay me later!"

The Bravo II was designed for another application and it isn't your application. Check the compatibility and either trade back for a I or III or sell it before it is used (anymore) and get the one that is right. More than likely it will be cheaper in the long run.