Is bravo 3 school open???

[2FORCEFULL]

got questions for the teacher..

 

[RiverDave]

I always thought they were a great drive for smaller vee bottoms. There’s so much leverage out there it carries the bow better, as well as makes the boats ride smoother than traditional B1’s. Essex was really the only Mfg that embraced them for that purpose.


What do you want to know? If I don’t know the answer I’m sure I can find out.

 

[707dog]

counter rotation,great holeshots, props dig deep puts a boat on plane quick, digs in when taking sharp turns, props are expensive because you need 2...my 2cents

 

[thmterry]

Plus with a B3 you can back up like you are driving a car,

 

[rush1]

School me I have one on my Essex's, whats the deal with clocking or timing the props ?

 

[2FORCEFULL]

I always thought they were a great drive for smaller vee bottoms. There’s so much leverage out there it carries the bow better, as well as makes the boats ride smoother than traditional B1’s. Essex was really the only Mfg that embraced them for that purpose.


What do you want to know? If I don’t know the answer I’m sure I can find out.

why would you want one???I have one on my current boat.... the whole boat get out of the water...looks like a bass boat try'n to get to the fish'n hole first....it'll carry the bow with out trim'n up...

 

[2FORCEFULL]

School me I have one on my Essex's, whats the deal with clocking or timing the props ?

interesting... what do you mean???

 

[2FORCEFULL]

OK, say you’ve narrowed your search to two boats. Both are the same model from the same manufacturer. Both are the same price and have the same engine. The only difference is the drive. One has a Bravo One, the other, a Bravo Three, both made by Mercury. Which one do you buy?

The answer is easy: It depends. If you’re looking for a boat that will break 60 mph, either as is or after you make some planned modifications, a Bravo One is the way to go. The single propeller lends itself to performance applications better than the dual propellers of the Bravo Three.

It’s kind of odd, but 58 mph seems to be the typical maximum speed with the Bravo Three drive. I have heard of cases where performance upgrades did not result in a higher top speed because of the limitations of the drive package.

Also, if you plan to use your boat extensively in salt water, opt for the Bravo One. Bravo Three drives have experienced greater than normal corrosion when used extensively in salt water. There are ways to keep it at bay, but with a Bravo One, those are steps you don’t have to take.


The Bravo Three drive has a slightly different set of talents.

Conversely, the Bravo Three has a few advantages of its own. For example, in stock applications, midrange efficiency and control is better. A Bravo Three also can mean reduced planing and cruising speeds. What’s more, if you use your boat for towing skiers, riders, or tubers, a Bravo Three drive is better for that, too. It has more bite, so the hole shot is better.

Another characteristic of the Bravo Three is higher idle speeds than a Bravo One, which can be handy for getting through no-wake zones more quickly without having to open the throttle.

Like nearly everything in life, there are pros and cons with each drive choice. Ultimately, the choice depends on how you plan to use your boat.

– Brett Becker

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[2FORCEFULL]

 

[rush1]

interesting... what do you mean???

I've been told that the front and rear props have to be timed so that none of the tips of the blades don't cross under the drive at the same time ? Supposedly will give you a little more top end if they don't ? I personally have no clue that's why I'm asking. I don't even know if its possible I've never pulled my props off . I do know when I rotate my props they both meet (blade up ) directly under the out drive.

 

[2FORCEFULL]

 

[2FORCEFULL]

I've been told that the front and rear props have to be timed so that none of the tips of the blades don't cross under the drive at the same time ? Supposedly will give you a little more top end if they don't ? I personally have no clue that's why I'm asking. I don't even know if its possible I've never pulled my props off . I do know when I rotate my props they both meet (blade up ) directly under the out drive.

I see that hill puts a 4 blade on the front...does that still apply

 

[GRADS]

I'm in the Bravo 3 club these days...not sure I'm a huge fan of it.

 

[rush1]

I see that hill puts a 4 blade on the front...does that still apply

No clue , that's why I was hoping some one in the know would chime in. I know they make a bravo 3 xr drive my buddy's got a pair of them on his 40' formula with 425 hp 496's . I get the whole counter rotating props cancelling out torque steer but you would think the hydrodynamics of the props would make the rear prop always in turbulent water and not as efficient (maybe thats why they should be timed)

 

[riverbrian]

Mine works great for the application. No issues planes quick for the length and weight.

 

[rush1]

 

[RodnJen]

I've been told that the front and rear props have to be timed so that none of the tips of the blades don't cross under the drive at the same time ? Supposedly will give you a little more top end if they don't ? I personally have no clue that's why I'm asking. I don't even know if its possible I've never pulled my props off . I do know when I rotate my props they both meet (blade up ) directly under the out drive.

If they rotate counter clockwise at the same speed, how could that possibly be true?

I've had a B3 for almost 15 years and it hasn't skipped a beat. If you are worried about a couple or even five miles an hour difference you are buying the wrong kind of boat for whatever you think your application is.

The last two sentences were directed at 2FF.

 

[2FORCEFULL]

http://solaspropellers.com/index.php/component/zoo/item/b3?category_id=189

 

[2FORCEFULL]

If they rotate counter clockwise at the same speed, how could that possibly be true?

I've had a B3 for almost 15 years and it hasn't skipped a beat. If you are worried about a couple or even five miles an hour difference you are buying the wrong kind of boat for whatever you think your application is.

The last two sentences were directed at 2FF.

I never said anything like that, just said I'd like to learn about the bravo 33333, as far as worried....lol... never, and if I was worried about speed I sure as hell would not have bought a tug boat with a bravo 3...that being said..I always like to know what I have is working proper...

anyway, this was the post..."got questions for the teacher". how you got to your reply.... no idea

 

[2FORCEFULL]

so anyways,... the thread is about why you would want, or not want a bravo 3... and any other things a guy might learn..

 

[2FORCEFULL]

I've been told that the front and rear props have to be timed so that none of the tips of the blades don't cross under the drive at the same time ? Supposedly will give you a little more top end if they don't ? I personally have no clue that's why I'm asking. I don't even know if its possible I've never pulled my props off . I do know when I rotate my props they both meet (blade up ) directly under the out drive.

mine are about 10 o'clock….????? now I'm wondering here...

 

[2FORCEFULL]

I've been told that the front and rear props have to be timed so that none of the tips of the blades don't cross under the drive at the same time ? Supposedly will give you a little more top end if they don't ? I personally have no clue that's why I'm asking. I don't even know if its possible I've never pulled my props off . I do know when I rotate my props they both meet (blade up ) directly under the out drive.

I found this...

For installing B3 props, ALSWAG told me the following; after placing 1st prop on, turn blade up at 12 o"clock. Then place the next prop on with blades at 10 and 2 o:clock. He said , you do not want 2 prop blades lining up directly behind the gear box. As always , I follow his advice.


and reading more, I found out that it causes prop burn....


https://rinkerboats.vanillacommunities.com/discussion/8117/bravo-iii-prop-install

 

[rush1]

mine are about 10 o'clock….????? now I'm wondering here...

If you google it the old timers say it reduces cavitation on the rear prop, That makes some sense to me as it would come off of the tip of the front blade smacking the rear blade in the wrong place , honestly I cant see it doing anything for performance but it probably would raise the efficiency a little.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I don’t have a Bravo 3, but I do have a Volvo DPX duo prop. Doesn’t seem to give up anything to a bravo in my speed / power range. Pushes my 28’ cat to 65 with a decent load, on only 415HP. Docks and handles awesome, and I get great mileage.

The Volvo DPX drive is supposed to be good for 90mph I believe before it becomes a hindrance, not sure about that but in the 60’s it seems on par with a single prop.

If it ever breaks I’ll be a sad mofo, parts are big bucks and lots of stuff is discontinued for the DPX. I’m still crying the blues after folding my props up at Powell

 

[bradscott48]

I see that hill puts a 4 blade on the front...does that still apply

I think most of the new bravo 3’s have the 4x3 setup from the factory.


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[Riverdude]

so anyways,... the thread is about why you would want, or not want a bravo 3... and any other things a guy might learn..

You might want to put at least a Simrek drive shower on it. The head on B3s get pretty hot when your up on plane. And also that way you can be just like all the Real Dick Boats out there !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[spectra3279]

I'm still waiting for the trs school

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[HydroSkreamin]

It’s definitely more expensive to mess with props, but I’ve seen a B3 installed on a Nordic 29 deck run the same speed with prop work as a B1 that had at least 6 props run across it as well. The planing and mid range cruise efficiency was phenomenal as well. The boat ran 78 mph.

I’ve also seen the 2 back to back on a 29’ Fountain with a 525, and I’d take the B3 all day everyday over the B1. It was a direct swap with no propping and there was 1 mph difference. 70-71 mph

That’s my experience, your mileage may vary.

 

[chaser]

I don't know if hey still do, but merc used to make a 4/3 set they called force X. I had Auge from cutting edge do a little work on mine a few years back. 496 mag wfo, 4800 rpm, 58 mph tops on a 240 cobalt. B3 are supposed to be good for about 525 hp max

 

[EagleBoy]

My brother bought a used Hallett 240 with a 496 Mag and a Bravo III he hated the way the drive felt behind the boat felt like he was dragging an anchor. We swapped the lower with a Bravo I with a 24 Bravo I prop and it was night and day difference the boat felt like it was lighter it trimmed up and took a way better set and gained 5mph and there was no noticeable difference out of the hole with the two of us in the boat. Just thought I’d share.

 

[2FORCEFULL]

Well, all in all, pretty interesting set up, I've personally never have owned a boat with this drive... and it quite interesting ,.. I did notice this...we loaded up this chaparral pretty good , getting on plane was effortless ...cruise speed at 45 was easy..and I did notice that WOT carried the whole boat out of the water... even with 4 or 5 people in the front..again… speed was not the objective...hauling everyone and room to roam around in comfort was the plan..not exact sure on the fuel consumption, but we ran around all day on 1/4 of the tank... we went from boulder harbor all the way to Hallett beach and back with a lot of stops along the way...it has a 56 gal. belly tank and those tend to run a long time on full, so I won't know how much fuel we really used till I fill it up,

 

[Dalton]

is it gonna get a wamo plate?

 

[2FORCEFULL]

If you google it the old timers say it reduces cavitation on the rear prop, That makes some sense to me as it would come off of the tip of the front blade smacking the rear blade in the wrong place , honestly I cant see it doing anything for performance but it probably would raise the efficiency a little.

When I bought this boat,...the guy said, we never drive this boat WOT,.. use it to wake board... I did notice this... after running to Hallett beach and back there are burn marks on the rear prop...so I will be clocking the front prop at 12 o'clock… and the rear at 6 o'clock...don't know if there will be any performance gain,. and again not looking for any more speed, it cruises right where we like it... but if I get a top end gain, or any other noticeable gain anywhere I'll take it and post the findings..this boat is kinda like a class C rv, not really my type of set up,,, but nice to have the room when you need it...Sue and I like to get away by our selves a lot, but it's also nice to get together with family and friends..sure I'D RATHER be haul'n ass in a schiada… but not with 14 people in the boat..

 

[2FORCEFULL]

is it gonna get a wamo plate?

no room,... lol but I did look...I would say that these boats would get a benefit with tabs.. but who knows...pretty typical ride though... boobie bouncer in the Bow... smooth ride aft...the B3 drive seems to carry the whole boat out of the water, so trimming it up didn't work like a B1...

 

[2FORCEFULL]

here you go... tools needed to remove the props..13mm, 37mm..,72mm..

 

[outboardrick]

I think it's a great drive, especially for heavier boats. I have a GPS speedo and phasing the props correctly does make a difference, not much but when you can gain a mph or so on a 45 mph boat it helps.
Also, I run different pitch props to help dial it in a bit. I've found that a 24 on front and 22 on the rear works best for my set up. I haven't tried a 4 blade combo yet but will eventually.

 

[2FORCEFULL]

I think it's a great drive, especially for heavier boats. I have a GPS speedo and phasing the props correctly does make a difference, not much but when you can gain a mph or so on a 45 mph boat it helps.
Also, I run different pitch props to help dial it in a bit. I've found that a 24 on front and 22 on the rear works best for my set up. I haven't tried a 4 blade combo yet but will eventually.

JUST THINKING OUT LOUD HERE, BUT WANTED TO ASK AN OPINION...my boat is 23'2''.. weighs somewhere around 5k lbs...18 degree bottom..fuel injected 454, 2.0 bravo 3 w/ 28p props. 2.0 wot should be right at 60mph or so...correct?... it does 35 mph gps @ 3000 rpms

 

[2FORCEFULL]

I just checked slip...35mph @3k rpms is 12% slip....using the 12% slip and wot of 4600 rpms..top speed would be 54 mph...0 slip would be 61 mph, so probey not gonna happen...

 

[2Driver]

I found this...

For installing B3 props, ALSWAG told me the following; after placing 1st prop on, turn blade up at 12 o"clock. Then place the next prop on with blades at 10 and 2 o:clock.

AM or PM ?

 

[outboardrick]

JUST THINKING OUT LOUD HERE, BUT WANTED TO ASK AN OPINION...my boat is 23'2''.. weighs somewhere around 5k lbs...18 degree bottom..fuel injected 454, 2.0 bravo 3 w/ 28p props. 2.0 wot should be right at 60mph or so...correct?... it does 35 mph gps @ 3000 rpms

Sounds about right, but will depend on what your wide open RPM is. I also have a 2.0 but can only spin my 24/22 combo about 4800 at 46-47 mph......But I have a 350.

 

[outboardrick]

I just checked slip...35mph @3k rpms is 12% slip....using the 12% slip and wot of 4600 rpms..top speed would be 54 mph...0 slip would be 61 mph, so probey not gonna happen...

I also found that the props need some cup. Something about Volvo's patent on the dual props that Mercury can't cup theirs. It may help your slip %.

 

[2FORCEFULL]

now, lets say you changed out the drive to a 1.5 bravo one...a 21p using the same 12% slip gets the same 54 MPH..22p gets 54 mph 23 rev 4 , 59 mph..and if it would spin, which I doubt, a 24p,... 61 mph...so the, my chaparral runs 65 mph is kind of a I'd have to see it... but it would do it @ 7% slip w/ 24p

 

[2FORCEFULL]

Sounds about right, but will depend on what your wide open RPM is. I also have a 2.0 but can only spin my 24/22 combo about 4800 at 46-47 mph......But I have a 350.

the 454 injected is max 4600, I believe... I have a 2.0 spinning 28p props..does it pretty much with ease..again… not try'n to go faster …. just try'n to understand what I have and what it "Should do"

 

[2FORCEFULL]

Sounds about right, but will depend on what your wide open RPM is. I also have a 2.0 but can only spin my 24/22 combo about 4800 at 46-47 mph......But I have a 350.

you are at 14% slip...

 

[2FORCEFULL]

Mine works great for the application. No issues planes quick for the length and weight.

same for me,looking at it is a mystery to me though...

 

[2FORCEFULL]

AM or PM ?

one has to be at am and one at pm... can't do it during leap year though

 

[Mandelon]

no room,... lol but I did look...I would say that these boats would get a benefit with tabs.. but who knows...pretty typical ride though... boobie bouncer in the Bow... smooth ride aft...the B3 drive seems to carry the whole boat out of the water, so trimming it up didn't work like a B1...

 

[2FORCEFULL]

pretty sure that's why open bows were invented

 

[ElAzul]

pretty sure that's why open bows were invented

Pretty sure it's why the sport of boating exists period

 

[PaPaG]

Well, all in all, pretty interesting set up, I've personally never have owned a boat with this drive... and it quite interesting ,.. I did notice this...we loaded up this chaparral pretty good , getting on plane was effortless ...cruise speed at 45 was easy..and I did notice that WOT carried the whole boat out of the water... even with 4 or 5 people in the front..again… speed was not the objective...hauling everyone and room to roam around in comfort was the plan..not exact sure on the fuel consumption, but we ran around all day on 1/4 of the tank... we went from boulder harbor all the way to Hallett beach and back with a lot of stops along the way...it has a 56 gal. belly tank and those tend to run a long time on full, so I won't know how much fuel we really used till I fill it up,

Steve your Rinker that I bought had the Bravo 3, it was a very good drive, no issues, handled the super heavy boat with ease, got on plane as quickly as you would want, backed up with ease much more control than my other 1's at low speeds, turned a tight circle without losing its grip, never had an issue with it. I did know that costs to repair were much higher but that is all.