Alpha vs. Bravo drag and HP loss?

[Red Tide]

If you have two 23' identical boats with 300 hp V8 engine 55-65 mph speed range, one with an Alpha Gen II outdrive and one with a Bravo 1 outdrive, which will go faster? I've been told that the Bravo will hold up better over time, but that the alpha has less drag and will be ~2 mph faster? True?

Any first hand experiences with a side-by-side comparisons?

[marshmat]

In theory, the Alpha could be very slightly faster than a standard Bravo 1, by virtue of its smaller, lower-drag gearcase. Depends on the prop and gear ratio as well, of course.

In practice, 300 hp at 65 mph is right at the limit of what an Alpha can handle. It'll still have a warranty at this rating, but it probably won't hold up as well as a beefier drive like a Bravo or any of the Volvos.

[Red Tide]

Is there a good head-to-head comparison of a bravo 1 vs. volvo sx drive somewhere?