Monomotapo
New member
I have designed, patented & prototype proven a boat that is nearing production, but I have issues with the power & propulsion. The prototype at 1.5t was driven by a 225hp Mercury 3l efi, but the production model at 2.5t will not work, or at best struggle, with an outboard configuration, so inboard/sterndrive is the only option (had to discard surface drives and jets). Weight is critical to getting on the plane (see website www.seaski.com.au) and GM's LS3 has the right weight/muscle ratio (220kg/480hp) with the Bravo III X (say 75kg or 165lb and rated to about 530hp gas/petrol engines) which has a 3in extension option that will just keep the prop in water contact when our vessel is skiing/planning. Most boat developers have a development team: mine is me, me & me, who knows very little about inboard/sterndrives and far too old to learn from my mistakes....I'll run out of time at my rate of learning! I know the contributors to this forum have an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience, and hope your generosity extends to my predicament.
Briefly, I know MerCruiser already couple similar GM LS engines to Bravos', but the ones used are either too light on hp, or overweight when getting near or above 500hp.
My proposal is to run the LS3 (alloy head and block) with an auto-style enclosed cooling system using an aluminium radiator.
Could anybody advise me what my biggest problems are likely to be? Did I hear somebody say, "where do I start?".
I believe a first requirement is for a water cooled exhaust manifold (where do you get them) and that there could be coupling issues, flywheel to sterndrive? Would there be any good educational sites or manuals that should be consulted, or things I should know about helm/sterndrive controls? I know these are very open ended questions, but even the smallest, seemingly trivial advice will be appreciated!
Briefly, I know MerCruiser already couple similar GM LS engines to Bravos', but the ones used are either too light on hp, or overweight when getting near or above 500hp.
My proposal is to run the LS3 (alloy head and block) with an auto-style enclosed cooling system using an aluminium radiator.
Could anybody advise me what my biggest problems are likely to be? Did I hear somebody say, "where do I start?".
I believe a first requirement is for a water cooled exhaust manifold (where do you get them) and that there could be coupling issues, flywheel to sterndrive? Would there be any good educational sites or manuals that should be consulted, or things I should know about helm/sterndrive controls? I know these are very open ended questions, but even the smallest, seemingly trivial advice will be appreciated!
