bravo 2 outdrive

[Fr. Frank]

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.

[77SceptreOB]

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

[Fr. Frank]

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.

[Wags23]

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

[Fr. Frank]

Would it cause the boat to pull to one side?

No more than any other single outdrive

Could I prop it to run good? or go with bravo1 or 3

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.

[Islandtrader]

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

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.

[Wags23]

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

[Blue_Heron]

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

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.