Pulling a Bravo3 off.

[agallant80]

Has anyone pulled a Bravo3 off by yourself? Is it doable or are you just asking for a disaster if you don't have someone to help you move it.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

I wouldn't do it by myself unless I had a stand. I pulled my Bravo I but had a helping hand to maneuver it once it was off.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

Use two hands, the Bravo3 weighs 150 (ish) pounds. It depends on if you are comfortable with holding/lifting that much . . .

I do like to move them around with a 2-wheeler though. Be sure not to let it drop on the skeg . . .

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

a small cherry picker and strap would allow you to get it off yourself (assuming you do not have a swim platform in the way)

Otherwise it is recommended to have someone there to help.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

I use an engine hoist and have a hook which grabs the slot/hole on the top

 

[hnt]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

I do mine by myself but it takes some muscle. Remove the props to get that weight off. I use a dolly with some wood blocks under the skeg and let it down onto it so I just need to keep it upright. Once its off I can pick it up and move it around or lay it on the dolly. It is always better to have help but it can be done alone.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

Just so you are aware, from the couple times I have taken my B3 off, coming OFF is the easy part, putting back ON is where an extra pair of hands really may be needed to align, guide, support. So if you won't have help putting in on.........

Now I'm sure several guys here can, and have, done installs by themselves many times with success, but being your first time, might want to really think about this first. I would not have tried it without my teenage son to help if needed or even my wife around if something became unbalanced or about to fall..........

Mark

 

[Lou C]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

If you have any lower back or shoulder problems get a stand. No fun throwing your back out and as noted above getting it on if more difficult. I got a stand with casters and a hieght adjustable jack from Stumpy's Fab Works. Makes it a LOT easier

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

I use a stand doing my Volvo Duo Prop which is likely the same weight. Have always done it by myself. Always take the props off first.

I welded up a stand for the next time I do it. Used a wood one before. Will be way easier with the new stand because it is more stable.

Here is my stand that i welded up:

I patterned it off this one(LouC owns this) that you can buy online:

Stumpy's Fabrication Works : Price List

http://www.stumpysfabworks.zoomshare.com/1.shtml/Boat


I think my design is a bit more stable though.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

Is it bad if I leave the drive off of the boat for a few weeks or a month?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

Is it bad if I leave the drive off of the boat for a few weeks or a month?

No, it is good. Some folks remove their outdrive(s) as a theft deterrent. Some folks remove them to keep them out of the winter elements, some folks keep them in their garage to work on during the off season.

i usually stuff a rag in the u-joint bellows to keep little critters from getting in the boat.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

Is it bad if I leave the drive off of the boat for a few weeks or a month?

IMO no, so long as it is protected against critters getting in there and missing around

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

Agallant80, having the drives off is better for the bellows, etc. than leaving the drive up. As has been stated, plug up the holes.

Bruce, nice stand

 

[Lou C]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.



Here's my original wood stand and the one from Stumpy's....with the weathered but still shifting perfect 25 year old Cobra.....


Bruce, beautiful job!
I do think the wider base is an improvement for a top heavy drive esp if you are rolling it over sligthly un-even ground. That style stand makes it so much easier.

The best thing about having something like this is that you will be more likely to do the yearly maintenance and your drive system will last longer and have fewer problems by far.
Everyone always says that I/Os don't last in salt water but my experience is if you do the maintenance they can last a very long time. In fact if you have closed cooling on your inboard engine I bet it will outlast even 4 stroke outboards.

In case anybody's wondering, the bolts sticking out of the upper gear housing and the all thread sticking out of the trim ram rod holes are my little tricks for getting a slipped in salt drive apart. Put one scissors jack under the 2 bolts in front and one under each end of the all thread. Jack them a little at a time and it will pop right off. No prying, cursing, etc. They sometimes will not come apart unless you rig up something like this. Looked at it a couple hrs, pryed on it a couple hrs, went back in the house and this idea (use the strongest points on the drive to put force to) came to me in a flash....get those now and then.....

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

Has anyone pulled a Bravo3 off by yourself? Is it doable or are you just asking for a disaster if you don't have someone to help you move it.

Yeah. I removed my 460/King Kobra and installed the 454/B3 all by myself.

Just use a small engine lift for the drive you want to keep from dropping it.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

I want to pull it off to check the alignment only issue is the boat is at a storage lot so I will have to bring someone with me if its a 2 man job. I may take it off, check the alignment and come back with a friend if I have hard time getting it back on.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

I want to pull it off to check the alignment only issue is the boat is at a storage lot so I will have to bring someone with me if its a 2 man job. I may take it off, check the alignment and come back with a friend if I have hard time getting it back on.

It's only a 2 man job if you have to "muscle" it around with no other assistance (hoist, lift, stand, etc) to keep you from hurting IT or yourself!

 

[agallant80]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

So when I get the drive off I should inspect the gimple (see how smooth it is) and check the alignment and u-joints. Anything else? Also what grease should I use? I know there is Merc spline, prop, coupler and what not grease. I would like to just use one for all.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

So when I get the drive off I should inspect the gimple (see how smooth it is) and check the alignment and u-joints. Anything else? Also what grease should I use? I know there is Merc spline, prop, coupler and what not grease. I would like to just use one for all.

Ayuh,.... See below,.... I'll only add that Merc 2-4-C ain't the best choice for greasin' those things listed,...

Personally, I just use the chassis grease that's normally in my greasegun kept on my work truck,...

 

[thumpar]

Re: Pulling a Bravo3 off.

While you have it of it is a good time to check the bellows too.