Replacing a b3 with a b1 -- what ratio?

[alk]

Somehow I managed to put a crack in the lower case of my bravo 3. Thinking of going with a bravo 1 instead, to save some money, and also because ever since I dropped an SBC in to replace the 454 I've been a bit overpropped anyways.

Boat is 23 ft, 3,300 lbs, 260 or so hp 350 mag carb engine. I believe the current drive 2.0 gears, with 26 props. Not sure how to figure our what bravo 1 gearing and prop to use.

 

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

Weld up the case.

 

[alk]

I was looking into that. The one shop i talked tp says that if the crack is in the oil chamber, the aluminum gets contaminated and i will never get a weld to hold up. Plus the issue of whatever caused the crack in the first place not resolved, and summer beginning in a week. But certainly would rather get this one fixed.

 

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

Weld up the crack then sand the area real good and apply a coat of JB Weld over the area to seal up any residual porosity.

You might want to take it apart to check bearings and gears but if it wasn't noisy and there isn't any metal in the oil I wouldn't. Just pick a good weld shop. The ones in my area suck.