1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

[servpro]

I have a 1996 Larson 260 Carbrio that had the outdrive stolen. I am going to replace it, however I wanted to see if I could upgrade it to a newer Bravo 3 outdrive. The only problem is my 1996 Bravo 3 came with a 2:00/1 gear ratio. My local marina has a good deal on a 2001-02 Bravo 3 outdrive with 2.20/1 gear ratio with 23P SS props.

Question: Based on my current setup would a Bravo 3 with 2.20/1 gear ratio work for my boat. I would assume I would need to get a different prop size, maybe a 26P to offset the gear ratio change. I would try to either trade the 23P or sell it and buy a different prop that would make this setup work.

NOTE: I would go with a 2:00/1 gear ratio as before but the difference in pricing is over a thousand dollars.

I appreciate any help or input. Called Larson and they where no help.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

I have a 1996 Larson 260 Carbrio that had the outdrive stolen. I am going to replace it, however I wanted to see if I could upgrade it to a newer Bravo 3 outdrive. The only problem is my 1996 Bravo 3 came with a 2:00/1 gear ratio. My local marina has a good deal on a 2001-02 Bravo 3 outdrive with 2.20/1 gear ratio with 23P SS props.

Question: Based on my current setup would a Bravo 3 with 2.20/1 gear ratio work for my boat. I would assume I would need to get a different prop size, maybe a 26P to offset the gear ratio change. I would try to either trade the 23P or sell it and buy a different prop that would make this setup work.

NOTE: I would go with a 2:00/1 gear ratio as before but the difference in pricing is over a thousand dollars.

I appreciate any help or input. Called Larson and they where no help.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...

What pitch props were ya runnin' on the ole drive,..?? rpms,..?? wot,..?? etc..??..

Ya can't do the math, without the numbers....

 

[servpro]

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...

What pitch props were ya runnin' on the ole drive,..?? rpms,..?? wot,..?? etc..??..

Ya can't do the math, without the numbers....

Thanks, not sure about what was on there before. Bought boat as a fixer upper. What I do know, after making some calls to Larson and Merc.

Drive Serial #: 0F742514 (MERCRUISER TWIN COUNTER ROTATING PROPS BRAVO 3 2.00:1)

Engine Serial #: 0F772253 (MERCRUISER TB5, W/PS, TWOPCEX, WORO 5.7LX BRAVO)

Where would I go to find the rpms, wot, ect.?

 

[jestor68]

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

The '96 5.7L's are: base 5.7(210 hp) is 4200-4600 rpm. The LX efi's (250 hp) are 4400-4800 rpm.

 

[servpro]

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

UPDATES:

RPM: 4400-4800 (Thanks jestor68)
Boat Weight: 6,460 lbs (From Brochure)

I want to use this boat to cruise and am not worried about going fast. Average load size (My family) would be 2 adults and 3 small kids. Might do some tube pulling, but mostly just cruise around the lake.

Also, if anyone has this same boat or has any recommendations on a nice setup using the 5.7LX please let me know.

 

[jestor68]

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

Re: 1996 Mercruiser 5.7LX & 2001 Bravo III Outdrive - Proper Gear Ratio / Prop Size?

The Mercury prop selector comes up with a range of 22.5-24" of pitch with your numbers for a Bravo 3, 2.2 gear ratio.

Based upon that, I'd say that drive with 23" props should work for you.