Bravos vs Alphas

[tank1949]

I am interested in purchasing a boat that has twin Bravo drives. The boat has been retrofitted from Alphas. I am somewhat familiar with Bravos but not an expert. Are they superior to alpha drives? What is the drawback?

 

[Bondo]

Are they superior to alpha drives?

Ayuh,.... Heavier, Heavier duty, 'n a cone-clutch, far Better than an Alpha,....

 

[tpenfield]

Better than Alpha

Drawback = none.

 

[thumpar]

The cone clutch in the Bravo is what I like most. The shifting is smooth. I went from a boat with an Alpha to one with a Bravo and love it.

 

[mr300z87]

Had a boat with an Alpha, current boat has a Bravo, Don't think I would ever want to go back. Bravo is far superior.

 

[tank1949]

383 Stroker and Bravo drives

I am interested in a boat that has been retro'ed with Mercruiser Bravos and 383 Strokers from Alpha and 350 Chevy blocks. Motors have Rochester 4 barrels and manual fuel pumps. I suspect if propped and trimmed correctly, these should max out at 4200-4400 range like there 350 Chevy counter parts. Owner stated that they burn regular gas, so no high compression heads. Does this RPM range sound right???

 

[thumpar]

It actually sounds a little low. I would try to shoot for 4600 or maybe a tad more. Are you able to talk with the engine builder?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... SBCs with 2bbl carbs are usually proped as low as ya say,....

SBCs with 4bbl. carbs are usually proped to 4400/ 4800 rpms at Wot,....

I always shoot for 4800 rpms,....


'n lets keep all yer questions 'bout this in one topic, not many topics,.....

 

[tank1949]

Ayuh,...... SBCs with 2bbl carbs are usually proped as low as ya say,....

SBCs with 4bbl. carbs are usually proped to 4400/ 4800 rpms at Wot,....

I always shoot for 4800 rpms,....


'n lets keep all yer questions 'bout this in one topic, not many topics,.....

So were are looing at about 400 more RPM? THX!

 

[harleyman1975]

You could drop down two inches in pitch and be dead on!

 

[ericcarr2000]

I recently switched from s bravo 1 to a bravo 3... Bravos are the way to go by far .