forward drive/bravo 4

Scott06

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
5,542
Anybody out there using either the Volvo Forward drive or Bravo 4 drive for recreational (aka we're not that good at it...) wake surfing behind an IO boat ?

Was just curious for folks that aren't that Seriou$ about it how does it work out behind a non wakeboard boat? Even if I had the disposable income for a wake boat I wouldn't want to chuck up that level of coin...

Have a 21 ft low hour great shape bowrider that I repowered 7 years ago. I'm very mechanically inclined had a idea of getting the transom and drive to put on this boat. Yes would be easier to by one of the high end bowriders that comes with a forward drive or B4.. but I like building things vs buying them (sometimes to my detriment).

Was looking for feedback if anyone is running such a set up before thinking to hard about a conversion
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
47,296
I know a few people with VP IPS drives. They like everything except needing deeper water than a traditional drive.

If you are going to wakesurf, sure beats planting your face into the props
 

Scott06

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
5,542
I know a few people with VP IPS drives. They like everything except needing deeper water than a traditional drive.

If you are going to wakesurf, sure beats planting your face into the props
Yeah IPS is a little different. I have a dock/hoist in a shallow cove so having the props in front isnt real appealing either..
 

paulswagelock

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 10, 2018
Messages
99
Friend has the Volvo version. Likes it, does ok for a casual wake, and is better than a fixed prop for regular cruising. Loading on a trailer and his lift both required new skills and cautions because of the increase draft.
 

Scott06

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
5,542
Friend has the Volvo version. Likes it, does ok for a casual wake, and is better than a fixed prop for regular cruising. Loading on a trailer and his lift both required new skills and cautions because of the increase draft.
Thanks for your input. i was thinking normal crusie would be better than a V drive.
draft concerns and trailer height are potential issues. It wouldn’t be a cheap project but if it would work would be cheaper than an newer boat… and i like what i have now size wise … plus its paid for.
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,454
If you want a forward drive on a boat...sell your boat and buy one with one.

The wakesurfing is going to suck unless you put a lot of ballast in your boat. A 21' boat will not be big enough to get a big enough wake. In addition, you will have to get big tabs to create the wake. Most boats that you surf behind have an automatic throttle control to keep a constant speed.

I have a Cobalt R5 that is also available as a Surf model....even it kinda sucks compared to a real surf boat.

I have surfed behind a number of dedicated surf boats. Even boats that were made just 7 years ago pale to what a newer surf boat creates for a wave.

Good luck finding a Bravo 4. I personally have never seen one on a production boat...likely because Volvo almost immediately sued Mercruiser.
 
Last edited:

Scott06

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
5,542
If you want a forward drive on a boat...sell your boat and buy one with one.

The wakesurfing is going to suck unless you put a lot of ballast in your boat. A 21' boat will not be big enough to get a big enough wake. In addition, you will have to get big tabs to create the wake. Most boats that you surf behind have an automatic throttle control to keep a constant speed.

I have a Cobalt R5 that is also available as a Surf model....even it kinda sucks compared to a real surf boat.

I have surfed behind a number of dedicated surf boats. Even boats that were made just 7 years ago pale to what a newer surf boat creates for a wave.

Good luck finding a Bravo 4. I personally have never seen one on a production boat...likely because Volvo almost immediately sued Mercruiser.
Thanks for your comments.

The antea for an R5 or surf boat is not in my cards, plus I like mechanical projects ... hence the thought. Figured some sacks or other mods would be needed as well...

I haven't seen a B 4 sold new or used anywhere so may be a moot point
 
Top