Jim , this 550 HP engine is in your deckboat , right ? I think what you need is
more HP to get your tub on plane .We have a B1 24P prop , 1.5 d/r behind 620 HP on a 33' V boat that weighs 6000 lbs . Doesn't blow out , just takes a little time to get on full plane because we have to nurse the throttle to keep the Bravo X drive from grenading . We had no issues with the drive for nearly 100 hrs since new , until my buddy forgot to fill his drive full, before some testing this summer and blown the drive in 10 minutes .His drive is at a merc shop who told him gears/parts are on backorder [ he blew the drive in august ] , so much for quick service . .
All gears are currently available from Mercruiser for the Bravo I. We have recieved many sets in the last few months...