What is Mercruiser XR ITS???

[Raceman]

Is this a setback box with internal steering? Can it be used with standard Bravo stuff to just set the drive back? How much back spacing is in it? Is there any offset to the top? (raising drive height)

[Steve Zuckerman]

Raceman,
I think they see Imco and Stellings selling setback boxes and they know it works (they've been rigging them at Lake X for years). It also allows them to get a piece of the hydraulic transom steering business.
It has 7"s setback, no verticle adjustment on the units I've seen, and small dual integrated hydraulic steering rams.
It is a clean setup but like a lot Merc HP stuff, it's overpriced.
Mercury was offering this box "free" with 2003 and 2004 HP 575s, and 525s.
If you're buying new, it's pretty cool. If you're retro fitting, the Imco and Stellings are better.
Regards,
Steve

[Scream And Fly]

I have information on the ITS system here somewhere on my database. I'll look for it.

I've seen this system in person - it's really impressive. It is a standoff box for the stern drive, but I'll have to find my information on it to tell you more.

Here's a picture of the ITS with a Bravo drive...

Greg

[Scream And Fly]

Here is a photo I took at Eastcoast Marine in Long Island, NY.

ITS, before drive installation:

[Scream And Fly]

Also, Bravo XR and ITS...

Greg

[Raceman]

Thanks Steve and Greg.

I'm curious as to what it takes in addition to the outer assembly shown on the white transom there to retro fit into an existing Bravo installation. Obviously the input shaft would have to be changed. Also, I can't remember if the outer assembly can be removed without pulling the motor, but somethin' makes me think it can't???????????????

Since I put the Blackhawk on my Pachanga I've always thought it could use setback since the Blackhawk raised the X dimension about 7 inches and the Pachanga doesn't have a notch in the pad at the rear. I thought at one time about a stern jack, but my friend at Merc was so negative on em for safety concerns that I decided against it, plus don't like the geometry change they make as they trim up.

[Raceman]

Steve, as far as the verticle adjustment, I know that either Imco or Stellings offers their box in two different configurations, one with the same vertical height and the other with it raised a couple of inches. I'm sure the Merc unit doesn't have any adjustment capability, but I was wondering if the installed height is the same as the std. plate or if it's raised. It looks in th picture Greg posted of the transom that it has an upward angle. Being up 7" or so already with the Blackhawk, I don't think I need any more height.

[Steve Zuckerman]

Raceman:
I have friend who has the same exact hull as my Baja 24' H2x. We are very close in HP (625desk top dyno). We were both running in the low 80s with a 28" Bravo 4 blade.
After going up 2" with the Stellings (also 14" back) he could run 88 to 90 depending weather and water conditions. That is a huge increase in efficiency:eek: .........................
Regards,
Steve
PS It wasn't a bolt up. He had to go full hydraulic to helm, fabricate an intermediate driveshaft, and realign the motor for the new transom height.