Which Bravo?

[TK]

I have a 21 foot VDH that weighs approx. 1800 dry with out drive train.

Because of service and economy of scale. I am going to go with a Mercruiser 350 Seacore Package. So should I go Bravo 1 or 3

Thanks for any input.

 

[dvan1901]

Re: Which Bravo?

Isn't the BravoIII the only one that will handle that engine? Or I guess the 1 goes up to 400hp. I like the III for the twin screws which give you great slow speed steering (straight steering).

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Which Bravo?

TK, I don't know what a VDH boat is, but if you are looking for the absolute highest top speed, and the "relative ease" of propeller experimenting, then go with the Bravo 1.

If you are more interested in improved backing ability, midrange cruising, and watersports, go for the Bravo 3.

(dvan, "a Bravo is a Bravo, is a Bravo." They all have the SAME upper units, just lowers are different. All Bravos are rated to handle the same HP. And for your further information, you can get an Alpha drive behind a Mercruiser 350MAG MPI. In this case, though, TK is talking about the SeaCore series, which is only Bravo. No such thing as a SeaCore Alpha.)

 

[TK]

Re: Which Bravo?

Sorry for the VDH initials .

VDH= Variable Deadrise Hull. Deep V as in offshore racing hull. Your explanation was very good, now I have to decide what is more important to me.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Which Bravo?

I have a 21 foot VDH that weighs approx. 1800 dry with out drive train.

Because of service and economy of scale. I am going to go with a Mercruiser 350 Seacore Package. So should I go Bravo 1 or 3

Thanks for any input.

I'll second that by TW. You'll get FAR better handling with a Bravo III. I would probably get maybe 3 mph higher top speed with a Bravo I in my 211 Liberator.

The former (340 crankshaft hp) 460/King Kobra when installed, was fast at WOT top speed (60mph), but it was a veritable DOG out of the hole.

With the 454/Bravo III (330 crankshaft HP) I get 57mph top speed but it just ROCKETS out of the hole more than twice as fast as it EVER did even when new. (this boat has been in the family since new)

It also accelerates better at any speed than before.

While the props are more expensive you can buy them frequently on Ebay for anywhere from $400-600 a set in the wintertime.

slow speed and reverse handling are FAR better than with a single prop.

If it were me, It would be a Bravo III.


Cheers,

Rick

 

[TK]

Re: Which Bravo?

Thanks for the real life information. From what you wrote, I think a Bravo 3 is the one. Now I just have to get the restoration complete and I am on my way.