Mercury – Complete Gearcase | Bravo One XR Series | Corrosion-Resistant Alloy | 8866A82

Overview

There’s a certain thrill that comes with running a high-performance sterndrive — that quick lift onto plane, the steady surge as the hull settles in, and the confidence that the boat will respond exactly when you ask it to. But that kind of precision only happens when every part below the waterline is pulling its weight. The Mercury Marine part number 8866A82 Complete Gearcase is built for boaters who expect that kind of reliability from their Bravo One XR system. It brings back the tight, controlled feel you count on, especially when you’re pushing toward open water or carving through a long stretch of smooth morning chop.

Key Features

• Complete replacement gearcase for MerCruiser Bravo One XR sterndrives with 1.26 gear ratio
• Tri-Paint corrosion-resistant finish designed for long-term protection in harsh marine conditions
• XK360 low-copper alloy engineered to reduce corrosion and extend service life
• Heavy-duty forged gears and reinforced U-joint built for high-torque performance
• Manufactured to exact OEM specifications for precise fit and durable operation

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Fits MerCruiser Bravo One XR sterndrives with 1.26 gear ratios
• Ideal for high-performance boats, offshore sport hulls, go-fast powerboats, and premium recreational vessels
• Suitable for single or twin-engine configurations running high horsepower loads
• Works well for boaters who frequent saltwater, brackish bays, or any demanding coastal environment

Performance & Practical Benefits

When your gearcase starts to wear, your boat tells you. Shifts get mushy. Vibration creeps in. Holeshot feels slower than you remember. Installing the 8866A82 restores the tight, responsive character that Bravo One XR drives are known for. You’ll feel smoother transitions at every throttle change and a sense of stability that makes the entire boat behave better, even at speed.

The forged gears inside this unit are built to take a beating — long runs, sharp turns, heavy loads, and sudden bursts of throttle. Pair that with the Tri-Paint exterior and low-copper alloy, and you’ve got a gearcase that stands strong in saltwater without succumbing to corrosion. It’s a combination that gives you more time on the water and fewer worries about what’s happening beneath the hull. Installation is straightforward for a full replacement assembly, and once it’s in place, the drive settles into a smooth, steady rhythm that feels familiar and reassuring.

Why Buy OEM

A gearcase is the backbone of your sterndrive system — it’s not the place to gamble on off-brand parts. A genuine Mercury Marine part like the 8866A82 is engineered to match your Bravo One XR exactly, from internal geometry to exterior coatings. That means better fit, better balance, and better long-term reliability. While aftermarket alternatives may look similar on the surface, they rarely match the metallurgy, sealing precision, or corrosion protection Mercury builds into its components. Choosing OEM ensures your investment lasts, performs, and keeps your boat running the way it should.

FAQ

Q1: Which systems does the Complete Gearcase 8866A82 fit?

It fits MerCruiser Bravo One XR sterndrives equipped with a 1.26 gear ratio.

Q2: What makes this better than aftermarket gearcases?

The forged gears, corrosion-resistant alloy, and Tri-Paint finish provide durability and performance aftermarket units typically can’t match.

Q3: How do I know if this is the correct replacement?

Confirm your drive model is a Bravo One XR and that your gear ratio is 1.26. If those align, this part number is usually the correct fit.

Q4: Can it be used in both saltwater and freshwater?

Absolutely. It’s engineered for harsh saltwater environments, so freshwater use is well within its capabilities.

Q5: Is installation straightforward?

Yes. As a complete assembly, it installs cleanly when matched to the correct Bravo One XR configuration.