question for 2400 BRX owners

[H2O]

I've been shopping hard for a 2400 BRX for the last couple of years, and so far have only seen one for sale West of the Mississippi (and that one was still 1500 + miles away)

Needles to say I haven't been able to get a ride here on the West Coast. I am willing to fly in for a sale and ship cross country if necessary, but before I hop on a plane, can any 2400 BRX please chime in:

How does the 2400 BRX ride and handle chop compared to other boats in it's size range?

I understand the it a relatively lightweight boat with a shallow freeboard.....on the other hand it does have a 22 deg deadrise bottom, without a pad. I've browsed a lot of threads and forums and read a few comments like "to does pretty well for what it is".

So can anyone compare the ride in light chop to other similar sized boats? Here's just a few thrown out as an example: (hard to even name a direct competitor, with so few 23'+ sport boats with an outboard...and understand a heavier I/O boat is going to be a bit more stable, so not really apples to apples)

Cobalt 220, Chaparral 246, Baja 232 Islander , Hurricane 2400 OB, Superboat 24 OB, Lavey Craft 24 Nu Era, Nordic Rage, etc, etc

FWIW - I am going to be in Central Florida in May, if any 2400 BRX owners are willing to give me a short ride in exchange for beers, lunch or gas money, etc.

Thx to all!

 

[jjg]

Hello and welcome! I will try and answer your questions, however I dont have a BRX but a 24 closed deck, but it is the same hull, the BRX is just a bit heavier.
Mine is a 2014 which I ordered originally with a 300 Pro Verado, boat had great manners was predictable, and rode great at all speeds, no walk or porpoise and did pretty good in a 2-3’ chop at 50 mph. I did run into a guy with a BRX that had a 300xs on, and he complained of alot of chine walk above 67+mph and being a bit of a handfull at WOT. I never had any these handling issues due to being able to run a much larger prop with the torque of the Verado behind it.
About a year later in 2015 I upgraded to the 400R with the sportmaster gearcase, this motor added an entire new positive dimension to the ride, handling and top speed of this boat. The increased torque seemed to just eat up the chop and allow running 60 through the same conditions seem like nothing to worry about, the larger 5.4”sportmaster also seemed to improve ride and handling immensely, when compared to the std 4.8” on the 300 Verado . I can cruise at 70 in 1-2’ chop with minimal trim input and plenty of hammer left to drop. I do run the Thunder Run poker run every year on Lake Cumberland in this boat and it does do pretty well in the heavy swells, the lady gets a bit anxious once flight takes place, so it could do better IMO, but Im sure you understand��
If youre ever near south central KY give me a shout, Id be more than happy to give you a ride!

 

[ckaluger]

I have been beside him on that lake, he is telling the truth, it is amazing the kind of water that boat can handle.

Chuck

 

[H2O]

Hello and welcome! I will try and answer your questions, however I dont have a BRX but a 24 closed deck, but it is the same hull, the BRX is just a bit heavier.
Mine is a 2014 which I ordered originally with a 300 Pro Verado, boat had great manners was predictable, and rode great at all speeds, no walk or porpoise and did pretty good in a 2-3’ chop at 50 mph. I did run into a guy with a BRX that had a 300xs on, and he complained of alot of chine walk above 67+mph and being a bit of a handfull at WOT. I never had any these handling issues due to being able to run a much larger prop with the torque of the Verado behind it.
About a year later in 2015 I upgraded to the 400R with the sportmaster gearcase, this motor added an entire new positive dimension to the ride, handling and top speed of this boat. The increased torque seemed to just eat up the chop and allow running 60 through the same conditions seem like nothing to worry about, the larger 5.4”sportmaster also seemed to improve ride and handling immensely, when compared to the std 4.8” on the 300 Verado . I can cruise at 70 in 1-2’ chop with minimal trim input and plenty of hammer left to drop. I do run the Thunder Run poker run every year on Lake Cumberland in this boat and it does do pretty well in the heavy swells, the lady gets a bit anxious once flight takes place, so it could do better IMO, but Im sure you understand��
If youre ever near south central KY give me a shout, Id be more than happy to give you a ride!

Thanks for taking the time to reply...I really appreciate it!

I have to say, I'm surprised you are able to run at any speed in the Thunder Run Poker Run. I haven't been there, but I've seen the videos and there are some BIG fast boats at that event. I'm surprised that any 24' footer could run "comfortably" in that water, let alone a lightweight 24' outboard sit down, boat. I'm not SURE how much of that is the hull, and how much of that skill and nerve, but my hat is off to you sir.

Also interesting to hear how much a difference the 400r made on the boat. If I'm not mistaken, the 400r is only about 35 lbs more than the 300 Verado, so its not the weight alone..it must be the bigger sportmaster gearcase as you say. I guess it's acting as a "bigger rudder" and helps stabilize a light boat from being bounced around as much.

I also have to wonder how much the closed bow helps vs the BRX. I remember talking to Randy Corson when he first started setting up the 2400's with Merc 300xs motors. The closed bow always ran 5 mph faster, due to carrying the bow higher than the BRX, regardless of prop and set-up with the same engine. I asked it adding a bow cover helped at all, and he said no, its just the extra weight of the open bow.

I believe the 2400BRX with a 400r runs right at 80-82....are you doing a little better than that with the closed decK?

Thanks again for the great info!

 

[H2O]

I have been beside him on that lake, he is telling the truth, it is amazing the kind of water that boat can handle.

Chuck

Says a lot coming from a guy with a Formula Fastech 312 (if you still have it) Those are wave crushers, aren't they?

 

[jjg]

I have been beside him on that lake, he is telling the truth, it is amazing the kind of water that boat can handle.

Chuck

Thanks for the kind words my friend!

 

[H2O]

jjg -

Are you running a foot pedal on your set-up, or standard hand throttle?

Fixed jack plate or hydraulic?

Thanks again!

 

[jjg]

Thanks for taking the time to reply...I really appreciate it!

I have to say, I'm surprised you are able to run at any speed in the Thunder Run Poker Run. I haven't been there, but I've seen the videos and there are some BIG fast boats at that event. I'm surprised that any 24' footer could run "comfortably" in that water, let alone a lightweight 24' outboard, sit down, boat. I'm not SURE how much of that is the hull, and how much of that skill and nerve, but my hat is off to you sir.

Also interestING to hear how much a difference the 400r made on the boat. If I'm not mistakeN, the 400r is only about 35 lbs more than the 300 Verado, so its not the weight alone..it must be the bigger sportmaster gearcase as you say. I guess it's acting as a "bigger rudder" and helps stabilize a light boat from being bounced around as much.

I also have to wonder how much the closed bow helps vs the BRX. I remember talking to Randy Corson when he first started setting up the 2400's with Merc 300xs motors. The closed bow always ran 5 mph faster, due to carrying the bow higher than the BRX, regardless of prop and set-up with the same engine. I asked it adding a bow cover helped at all, and he said no, its just the extra weight of the open bow.

I believe the 2400BRX with a 400r runs right at 80-82....are you doing a little better than that with the closed decK?

Thanks again for the great info!

Well, as far as the Thunder Run is concerned skill & nerve play a part, but you also have to figure in a little bit of crazy too! And theres no shortage of that in my speedos

Concerning the handling with the 400, the larger gearcase plays a roll along with the increased torque of this motor that allows you to push through and overcome whats coming at you, these two variables combined make a big difference.

Now with the new 23p MAX 5 ST prop, 2 people, full load of beer & gear Im running 80-81, havent run it yet with a light load and just myself yet, but this prop reduced my slip from 13.5% with a Bravo FS 24p, to 9% and just hooks this boat up like its on rails!

The BRX’s CG is a bit further forward so it should run similar speeds, even though its marginally heavier.

In closing, Ill leave you with some Thunder Run craziness! Cheers

 

[jjg]

jjg -

Are you running a foot pedal on your set-up, or standard hand throttle?

Fixed jack plate or hydraulic?

Thanks again!

Im running Std hand throttle and an Atlas 6” hydraulic jp. I think I will move to a nice Shaun Torrente static 6” plate for added rigidity in the future.
If you do some searching, there is a build thread on here for this boat and several other good progress threads showing the evolution as well.

 

[H2O]

Im running Std hand throttle and an Atlas 6” hydraulic jp. I think I will move to a nice Shaun Torrente static 6” plate for added rigidity in the future.
If you do some searching, there is a build thread on here for this boat and several other good progress threads showing the evolution as well.

Great info, thanks again.

One tidbit I do remember from another build thread on a 2400 BRX with a 400r, is that the owner experienced a good bit of chine walk with his original set-up. IIRC, he stated the 400r already has a bit of set back built into the transom mount, and reducing the size of the set-back plate improved his speed and stability.

Cheers and remember.....

https://flic.kr/p/Rjpxar

 

[jjg]

Great info, thanks again.

One tidbit I do remember from another build thread on a 2400 BRX with a 400r, is that the owner experienced a good bit of chine walk with his original set-up. IIRC, he stated the 400r already has a bit of set back built into the transom mount, and reducing the size of the set-back plate improved his speed and stability.

Cheers and remember.....

https://flic.kr/p/Rjpxar

You are correct about the added setback on the 400r, so with that, combined with an additional 6” from the jp you’re at 8.5”ish on total setback. And I will tell you, I am not experiencing any of the Ill handling effects that some experience running setbacks over 6”, this is probably due to not really having a pad and how the CG is affected with 10 + inches of setback, and any speed gains due to the added setback seemed to be muted by the negative handling attributes that were described.

 

[H2O]

Sorry to keep adding to the thread...but just this week Kip @ Checkmate told me there is a "small pad" at the back of the 2400 BRX keel.

Prior to that I have always heard the 2400 had a straight vee bottom. I recall another owner asking for a mold insert (to create a small pad) when they build his 2400...and Checkmate said no go.

So maybe Kip was thinking of another hull??

 

[jjg]

Sorry to keep adding to the thread...but just this week Kip @ Checkmate told me there is a "small pad" at the back of the 2400 BRX keel.

Prior to that I have always heard the 2400 had a straight vee bottom. I recall another owner asking for a mold insert (to create a small pad) when they build his 2400...and Checkmate said no go.

So maybe Kip was thinking of another hull??

No problem bud, you’re fine.
Kip is correct, it is a very narrow V pad, nothing compared to the width of the pads on the 1850, 2000 & 2100. Notice the attached, top pic is the pad on the 1850, bottom is the V pad on the 2400. That crown on the 2400’s V pad is what makes it challenging to balance on with increased setback and a CG thats off.

 

[jjg]

One more thing to keep in mind is, the 2400 LD or the BRX are 1 ton boats dry, without motor. So, if you compare a close competitor like Tuff for example, their 24 is only around 1400lbs dry and the 28 is around 1800lbs dry. So the Checkmate seems to be more of a wide beam heavyweight in this class of 24’ SOB’s. Not in the lightweight catagory like say the 2100 would be comparably speaking.

 

[JUPITER PULSARE]

OK, here's the real scoop. The Verado mid section, by design, has 5" of setback built into it. I run an Atlas 8" jackplate on my Pulsare 2400 Bowrider with a Verado 300 Pro which puts me at 13" total setback. If you go beyond that with a Verado 300 Pro or 400R (635lbs dry) you will get some porpoising due to the CG (center of gravity) being moved aft. I run a stock Bravo One 24 and have seen 71mph. I think there's more speed in the setup but I've never tried any other props. James (Hayabusa on this site) has a BRX with a 400R. He originally had at least 16" total setback which led to some real handling issues in the mid to upper 70's. It improved greatly when he went back to a 6" jackplate. I believe his boat has seen over 80mph with the Verado 400R. Maybe he can chime in. I know he hasn't run his BRX since buying a Tuff 28 with twin 300SX's...
Also, All the 24' Pulsare hulls run a V-Pad bottom. In other words, the running surface as the transom is not completely flat (slight V) but shallower V than the the rest of the hull bottom.

 

[H2O]

OK, here's the real scoop. The Verado mid section, by design, has 5" of setback built into it. I run an Atlas 8" jackplate on my Pulsare 2400 Bowrider with a Verado 300 Pro which puts me at 13" total setback. If you go beyond that with a Verado 300 Pro or 400R (635lbs dry) you will get some porpoising due to the CG (center of gravity) being moved aft. I run a stock Bravo One 24 and have seen 71mph. I think there's more speed in the setup but I've never tried any other props. James (Hayabusa on this site) has a BRX with a 400R. He originally had at least 16" total setback which led to some real handling issues in the mid to upper 70's. It improved greatly when he went back to a 6" jackplate. I believe his boat has seen over 80mph with the Verado 400R. Maybe he can chime in. I know he hasn't run his BRX since buying a Tuff 28 with twin 300SX's...
Also, All the 24' Pulsare hulls run a V-Pad bottom. In other words, the running surface as the transom is not completely flat (slight V) but shallower V than the the rest of the hull bottom.

Thanks for the details JP!

Circling back to the original question in my post, just to get some more insight:

How does the 2400 BRX ride and handle chop compared to other boats in it's size range?

I understand the it a relatively lightweight boat with a shallow freeboard.....on the other hand it does have a 22 deg deadrise bottom and jjg states he does pretty well on Cumberland. (if occasionally airborne

Any boats in that size range you could compare and contrast with?

Thx !

 

[jjg]

OK, here's the real scoop. The Verado mid section, by design, has 5" of setback built into it. I run an Atlas 8" jackplate on my Pulsare 2400 Bowrider with a Verado 300 Pro which puts me at 13" total setback. If you go beyond that with a Verado 300 Pro or 400R (635lbs dry) you will get some porpoising due to the CG (center of gravity) being moved aft. I run a stock Bravo One 24 and have seen 71mph. I think there's more speed in the setup but I've never tried any other props. James (Hayabusa on this site) has a BRX with a 400R. He originally had at least 16" total setback which led to some real handling issues in the mid to upper 70's. It improved greatly when he went back to a 6" jackplate. I believe his boat has seen over 80mph with the Verado 400R. Maybe he can chime in. I know he hasn't run his BRX since buying a Tuff 28 with twin 300SX's...
Also, All the 24' Pulsare hulls run a V-Pad bottom. In other words, the running surface as the transom is not completely flat (slight V) but shallower V than the the rest of the hull bottom.

Just an FYI Jup, according to Racing, the actual setback on the AMS midsection is 2.5”, this is the dimension they tell their customers to figure in for total setback.

 

[JUPITER PULSARE]

Just an FYI Jup, according to Racing, the actual setback on the AMS midsection is 2.5”, this is the dimension they tell their customers to figure in for total setback.

Based upon this Mercury video, they quote it as 4" of setback (at the 3:07 mark in the video)...
https://youtu.be/6h1SwuwfaPg

 

[JUPITER PULSARE]

Thanks for the details JP!

Circling back to the original question in my post, just to get some more insight:

How does the 2400 BRX ride and handle chop compared to other boats in it's size range?

I understand the it a relatively lightweight boat with a shallow freeboard.....on the other hand it does have a 22 deg deadrise bottom and jjg states he does pretty well on Cumberland. (if occasionally airborne

Any boats in that size range you could compare and contrast with?

Thx !

The Pulare 2400 hull is a true 24' hull. No notch in the transom and it carries 22 degrees if deadrise with a V pad. I can tell you from direct experience that it handles much bigger water with a superior ride over the the Pulsare 2100, 21' Starflite, 22' Velocity and 230 Velocity that I've owned in the past. It may not be as fast (unless you drop the coin for a 400R) but it is a pretty soft ride and can handle some snotty, choppy water. It's a good compromise between a high performance hull and family go fast boat.

 

[dgs]

2400 BRX in chop

We have a 2400BRX with a verado 300 Pro (hydraulic jackplate). I've only had it for 1-1/2 seasons but my observations so far, based off our last boat a Sunsation, 288 big block I/O, a completely different style of boat. Prior to that center console outboard fishing boats.
The boat feels very light compared to the I/O. It will tend to launch rather than wave crush at high speed cruise (~50-55 mph), I think it is a combination of the shallow entry and the engine weight is so far back that it can't hold the bow down. Its not a "scary situation", this kids actually like it more, and it takes a bit more active throttling to fly level then our previous boats.
It definitely like's to be "flown" what I mean by that is to trim the bow up and ride on the pad. You can feel the boat accelerate more noticeably when it sets than our other boats. The other boats, center consoles then the offshore boat in 1-3 foot swells I would trim so that roughly the first half of the boat was out of the water and it would just mow over everything (opinions vary as either smooth and steady or this is boring!) the Checkmate rides on the last quarter of the hull and will hold its nose level skipping over the waves. A different feeling.
The only other observation if with the prop so far back and the bow relatively light, it takes a bit more effort docking in a crosswind with spectators present. Not a big deal, but its not a cruiser where you can drop it in neutral walk around putting out fenders and lines and expect it not to have moved.