Gimbal bearing?
 

Took my boat 2000 222 in to have the gimbal bearing replaced. Heard a clicking noise in the lower unit of my bravo 3. Mechanic found fine metal shavings in the lower unit after inspection. He can replace my bravo 3 with a bravo 1 for $2,500. Should I do this? Or Should I drain and refill the gear lube and just go on as usual? Either option can be completed by lunch tomorrow so I'll be able to get on the water. Any opinions would be helpful.

Re: Gimbal bearing?
 

I have heard that you can switch out the Bravo III for a Bravo I. I have also heard that a lot of really high performance boats use Bravo I's because they are lighter and smaller(less drag in the water). Not sure if any of that is true, but it would be interesting to hear from someone who has done it or knows more about it.

Re: Gimbal bearing?
 

Yeah, I've heard the same things. I would really like to hear from somebody that's done it. My boat rides really smooth right now, I hate to mess up a good thing.

Re: Gimbal bearing?
 

The bravo 1 in question is used and came off a baja.

Re: Gimbal bearing?
 

A B1 should bolt right on in place of the B3. I suspect you will lose a bit of your handling ability at slow speeds around the docks etc and possibly a bit of your holeshot & quicker to plane ability. I would think that as the B1 is lighter & smaller with less drag you might see a slight top speed increase and its probably far easier & less costly to find props for it. One issue to check on though is the gearing. I think (cuz i'm not certain) that you will need a 1.50 : 1 drive gearing for the B1.

I gotta think there is some salvage value in that B3 though to offset the B1 cost?

Re: Gimbal bearing?
 

there is a huge difference in hole shot and midrange response. it all depends on what you are going to do. If you are using the boat for skiing and tubing stay with the 3

Re: Gimbal bearing?
 

Turned out to be a non-issue. Gonna stick with the bravo 3. Thanks for the input!

Re: Gimbal bearing?
 

Glad you were able to keep the Bravo III. Unless you really trust the boat mechanic, I'd be wary that he might have been trying to dupe you out of your high-dollar drive. And yes it's a simple bolt-on to replace a Bravo 3 with a Bravo 1 or 2 lower unit.