Bravo III
The twin-propeller Bravo, running two contra-rotating props on a shaft-within-a-shaft — a four-blade forward prop ahead of a three-blade aft prop — rated for petrol engines to 525 hp and diesel to 370 hp.
Mercury's own current spelling is 'Bravo Three'. The counter-rotating pair gives quick acceleration, reduced bow lift for better forward visibility, fast planing and notably better low-speed steering control in a marina than any single-prop drive. Staggering four blades ahead of three prevents paired blades passing simultaneously, which minimises cavitation, noise and lost horsepower. It is the cruiser and family-boat drive of the range, sitting between the speed-oriented Bravo I and the heavy-thrust Bravo II, and is offered in Bravo Three X Diesel and Bravo Three XR Diesel forms for diesel engines.
Sources
- 1. Bravo Three, Three X, and Three XR Outdrive — Mercury Marine
- 2. The Dual Propeller Advantage — Mercury Marine
Specifications compiled from manufacturer sources.