shaft or outdrive

[Chris_d]

I think all the bad press for outdrives comes from second hand boats, outdives are just as reliable in principle as any other peice of machinary. Problem comes when a hard up or lazy second/third owner slips on maintenance, you can live with a dripping shaft seal for years, but a perished outdrive bellows if left untouched will spell disaster. I would consider either, but if looking at an older boat shafts have got to be a safer bet, even if neglected!

 

[c_j]

Spot on

CJ
chris@stone.uk.com

www.stone.uk.com

 

[c_j]

Because for any given horsepower up to currently 300 they out perform shafts.

Deleted User goes into detail, but omits the power to weight advantage of the current Volvo KAD series engines. I think the shaft driven V40's had 480 HPagainst 260 of the KAD 44's.

This is not just a princess thing.

Don't get me wrong as I have said before, I would love shafts, but not at any cost in terms of price or performance on a sportsboat.

CJ
chris@stone.uk.com

www.stone.uk.com

 

[Chris771]

For me shaft is the only option in both terms of simplicity and reliability, having a skeg underneath lends protection.

If performance is the main criteria and maintenance costs are not a consideration, then go for outdrives.

Chris

www.impact-computers.net/boat/cruiser.htm