Bravo's Boat Engine Setup: What's The Deal?

Bravo is a series of sterndrives for powerboats, built by Mercury Marine. The Bravo series includes the Bravo 1, Bravo 2, Bravo 3, and Bravo 4 S sterndrives, which are upgrades from the Alpha One and are designed for single, twin, or triple-engine applications. The Bravo 1 sterndrive is focused on high-speed performance and can produce speeds of over 100 mph for gas engines up to 600 HP. The Bravo 2 sterndrive is designed for twin-engine applications and can power a boat up to 55 mph for gas engines up to 450 HP. The Bravo 3 sterndrive features counter-rotating dual propellers that improve propulsion efficiency, speed, acceleration, and handling, and is available for single or twin-engine applications with a maximum speed of 65 mph for gas engines up to 525 HP. The Bravo 4 S sterndrive has contra-rotating props that enhance maneuverability and is integrated with SmartCraft digital features, making it ideal for wakesurfing and other tow sports.

Bravo 1: Single, twin or triple engine applications, capable of speeds over 100 mph for gas engines up to 600 HP

The Bravo 1 sterndrive is a high-speed performance engine that can be used for single, twin, or triple-engine applications. It is capable of powering boats to speeds over 100 mph with gas engines of up to 600 HP.

The Bravo 1's exclusive performance torpedo design and dual water pickups allow it to handle both high and low speeds effectively. Its extended-length torpedoes reduce drag, while its deeper skeg provides a large rudder area for excellent steering response across all speeds.

The Bravo 1 is ideal for boats capable of high speeds and can be paired with gas engines up to 600 HP or diesel engines up to 370 HP. It offers refined and well-mannered performance, with best-in-class shifting capabilities. The trim-limit switch ensures maximum drive angle, making it perfect for those who seek high-speed boating experiences.

The Bravo 1 is part of the MerCruiser Bravo Series, which includes the Bravo 1, Bravo 2, and Bravo 3 sterndrives. These outdrives are upgrades from the Alpha One and feature the latest innovations in boat outdrive performance. The Bravo 1, in particular, is designed for high-speed performance and can accommodate a wide range of engine configurations while delivering exceptional speed and handling capabilities.

Bravo 2: Twin engine applications, powers a boat up to 55 mph for gas engines up to 450 HP

The Bravo 2 sterndrive is designed for twin-engine applications and can power a boat up to 55 mph with gas engines up to 450 HP. It is ideal for big, heavy boats with twin engines.

The Bravo 2 features a wide gear case, which can accommodate a propeller of up to 20" in diameter. This larger propeller improves performance by increasing the speed at which the boat gets on plane and also enhances fuel economy.

The Bravo 2 sterndrive is part of the Bravo Series by MerCruiser, which also includes the Bravo 1 and Bravo 3 sterndrives. The Bravo Series is an upgrade from the Alpha One and features the latest innovations in boat outdrive performance.

The Bravo 2 sterndrive is a good choice for those seeking high thrust at low speeds, quick planing, and improved fuel economy. It is a powerful option for boats with twin engines and can accommodate a variety of propeller sizes.

Bravo 3: Single or twin engine applications, capable of speeds up to 65 mph for gas engines up to 525 HP

The Bravo 3 is a sterndrive system from MerCruiser, a brand by Mercury Marine. It is an upgrade from the Alpha One and features the latest innovations in boat outdrive performance.

The Bravo 3 is designed for single or twin engine applications and can achieve speeds of up to 65 mph. It is suitable for gas engines up to 525 HP and diesel engines up to 370 HP. The system features counter-rotating dual propellers, which improve propulsion efficiency, speed, acceleration, and handling. The two propellers are mounted one in front of the other and turn in opposite directions, eliminating wasted energy from the propeller wash. This design also provides great steering control in marinas and incredible performance in open water. The extra blade on the propellers allows the boat to plane off at a lower speed, optimising fuel efficiency.

The Bravo 3 offers efficient design for minimal bow rise and advanced acceleration for better forward visibility. It is a popular choice for boaters despite some controversy regarding corrosion issues.

Bravo 4 S: Features contra-rotating props, ideal for wakesurfing and other tow sports

The Bravo 4 S is a forward-facing drive system designed for wakesurfing and other tow sports. It features contra-rotating props, which provide exceptional manoeuvrability, even at low speeds. The contra-rotating design, with seven blades (four on the leading prop and three on the trailing prop), offers significantly more total blade area than a single-propeller system, resulting in improved grip and control. This makes it ideal for tow sports, as the driver can easily adjust the wake's shape and size by trimming the outdrive. For example, trimming the drive out creates a larger wake suitable for wakesurfing, while trimming it in produces a smaller wake for water skiing.

The Bravo 4 S also prioritises safety for wakesurfing. By positioning the propeller under the hull and facing away from the rider, it ensures a safer experience for the surfer. Additionally, the contra-rotating propeller design enhances control at idle speeds, allowing the driver to precisely manoeuvre back to a fallen surfer or skier.

The Bravo 4 S is further enhanced by its integration with SmartCraft® digital features, including a VesselView® display and the Smart Tow® system. This simplifies the driving experience for tow sports by allowing the driver to select the desired activity, speed, and wake, with the system automatically making the necessary adjustments. The system also includes Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls, which enhance every on-water activity, from docking to cruising.

The Bravo 4 S is engineered to deliver outstanding thrust and manoeuvrability at very slow wakesurfing speeds. Its gear ratios are optimised for getting large, heavily loaded surf boats on plane and keeping them there for an ideal surfing experience. The system also includes the MerCathode® corrosion inhibition system, which constantly fights against galvanic corrosion.

Overall, the Bravo 4 S is a versatile choice for tow sports enthusiasts, offering improved performance, safety, and control for wakesurfing and other water sports activities.

Bravo X: Borrows the Heavier Duty Upper Housing from the Bravo XR, ideal for boats capable of reaching 100 mph

The Bravo X drive system is designed for high-speed boats, improving on the Bravo One design by incorporating the heavier-duty upper housing from the Bravo XR. This makes it ideal for boats capable of reaching speeds of 100 mph or more.

The Bravo X features extended-length torpedoes that reduce drag, and a deeper skeg that provides a larger rudder area for excellent steering response at any speed. This refined system offers best-in-class shifting and is intended for single, twin, and triple applications. It is compatible with gas engines up to 600hp and diesel engines up to 370hp.

The Bravo X's exclusive torpedo profile and deeper skeg design enhance steering response and control at both high and low speeds. Additionally, it features dual water pickups to handle bigger engines and higher speeds, and a trim-limit switch to maintain the maximum drive angle.

The Bravo X is part of the Bravo series, which includes the Bravo One, Bravo One X, and Bravo One XR. Each drive in this series incorporates dual water pickups to ensure optimal cooling for large engines at high speeds. The Bravo One XR, for instance, features a longer torpedo design, enhancing drive control and stability at higher speeds.

The Bravo X is a powerful and responsive drive system, designed for high-performance boats capable of reaching extraordinary speeds. With its advanced features, it delivers exceptional steering, control, and speed, making it a top choice for those seeking an exhilarating boating experience.

Frequently asked questions