bravo 1 gear set questions

[johnnyexcal]

typically what ratio bravo 1 upper is used on performance small block applications from mercruiser? whats the advantage or disadvantage of the 1.65 versus 1.5 ratio? and why is bravo threes so steep in gear? " just things that keep me up at night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

[tmmiibaja]

B3 upper will cross over, 2.20 ratio =1.65. 2.00 ratio =1.50, count the teeth.

Low hp you are probably better with the 1.65,

[johnnyexcal]

what's the horsepower cutoff for a 1.5 ratio? in other words whats the least amount it will take to turn?

[tmmiibaja]

what's the horsepower cutoff for a 1.5 ratio? in other words whats the least amount it will take to turn?

Same.

You could run a 1.50, but unless its a faster hull and you are 450 or more hp your probably a lot better off with the 1.65, will get on plane easier, should run faster too.

[ROGUE]

Ill let the merc dealers answer this one but in my opinion, in most cases, it doesnt matter what ratio drive you run, its the match between the prop pitch and the drive ratio that matters. Now tell us the boat and engine hp and prop you have and we can pick the best drive ratio. My formula311 ran fastest with a 1.36. There are others who swear by the 1.65. My old school prop knowledge had the 25 pitch as being the most efficient so we geared to match that when possible. Im sure modern technology and cad has changed that. Most every drive I have ever worked on was 1.5 with a few exceptions.

[johnnyexcal]

24 degree excalibur marine 24 footer small block @400 horse------planes &great runs great just think i can get a little more top end if i could spin a little more rpm with a larger prop-------right now have a 1.50 with a 22 4 blade----shy of about 400 rpm where i make peak--------tried smaller props only to lose mph --------prop calculators love a 1.65 with a 25 prop -------
what ya think ? thanks

[ROGUE]

No experience with the hull so no idea. Have you tried a standard 23 mirage?

[DonziGirl]

Wish I could help you out some. I talked to my dad awhile ago for you about our Excalibur. he said he used his "magic" prop on it. He has no idea what it is but it seems to work great on almost every boat he puts it on. I think it's on our 18' Donzi at the moment actually.

What speeds are you seeing with your Excalibur? I think we only ran about 60 or 65 in ours. After that it would start to chine walk

[ROGUE]

Wish I could help you out some. I talked to my dad awhile ago for you about our Excalibur. he said he used his "magic" prop on it. He has no idea what it is but it seems to work great on almost every boat he puts it on. I think it's on our 18' Donzi at the moment actually.

What speeds are you seeing with your Excalibur? I think we only ran about 60 or 65 in ours. After that it would start to chine walk

Yea, I had a magic wheel too, I had to return it to its owner who sold it and then it got stolen (not by me unfortunatly) It was an old big ear michigan with forward rake.