Sorry but FAQ shafts

[cliffdale]

Think of me as a sailing chap and I dont know much about power boats.

Question number 1, are shafts so much better than outdrives?
Ive looked at the Doral 330se which has KAD 300 on shafts. I liked the boat but only new ones are available so its a shed more money than a nearly new boat.

I liked the Targa 34 even better, appearance, layout etc but it has outdrives. Should this put me off buing one? I know most boats in this size seem to have outdrives so what is the problem with them apart from service expence.?
Do the props come out of the water when its a little roughty, do you loose steerage? Im not sure, I need your help.

Thanks

CD

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[powerskipper]

The main difference IMHO is shaft will spin in their own length with just throttle control.
Out drives need the use of the wheel to sharpen a turn, it is easy to forget were the wheel is and land up going the wrong way, They are better in some ways, as you can lift the leg in shallow water, also if you get a rope round them you can lift legs and reach the props from the back of the boat, Both take practice but you would pick up shafts quicker. Best thing is try both out if you can.


<hr width=100% size=1>Julie ,

 

[cliffdale]

being a total novice, Im definitely going for a boat with a bow thruster. I expect this will make a big diffrence to steering in confined spaces, I hope!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[powerskipper]

That's your get out jail free card.

<hr width=100% size=1>Julie ,

 

[Renegade_Master]

BOW THRUSTER Shook Horror cue hlb

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>

 

[BrendanS]

S'okay, hlb is down on the boat dining on lobster and crab. We can await the eruption when he returns /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Talbot]

twin outdrives are acceptably difficult to berth, single outdrive and strong wind will get you reaching for the cheque book and ordering a different boat. shafts are better in bad seas, however the comment about the ability to lift the outdrives and remove bl**dy lobster pot ropes is worth considering. Dont listen to these critics about thrusters, they are a lot cheaper than an expensive crunch because pride made you ignore them. I am fitting one on my cat as single engine twin rudders and single handed is not a great mix (unless wind is blowing onto the pontoon!)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[whisper]

Can you please tell me why shafts are better in bad seas ?
Thanks.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Chris_B4]

"Do the props come out of the water when its a little roughty, do you loose steerage?" In a word, no.

You are quite right to have picked up the service issue and drives must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specifications. The trouble is, if buying used you can rarely be sure, but then that applys to all types of transmission I suppose.

Boats with shafts are generally more expensive to buy, look at the Princess V40 for example and don't forget that a boat with outdrives will be far more efficient than a boat with shafts so you can offset some of the higher maintenance costs with the saving you will make on fuel (oh yeah, and it means they go faster too !)

I think that once you are used to them twin outdrives are as manouverable as a boat with shafts and a bow thruster makes things even easier.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[terryw]

Re: Used 330

There is a used 330 in Totnes. Been available for some time, so may be worth a look/offer

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[martynwhiteley]

Apart from a minor increase in servicing costs, and unless you are very concerned about slow speed stability on a river, I cannot understand why some people fight shy of outdrives. IMHO they have advantages over shafts when berthing, since steerage in reverse is far more conrtollable.

The replies to date have overlooked the other big advantage of outdives (or V-drives), in that the useable accomodation is usually far greater, and this point alone can tip the scale in favour of outdrives. Also engine access can be easier, and the living space quieter.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mboat.org>http://www.mboat.org</A></font color=blue>

 

[oldgit]

Outdrive boat cheaper to buy.more expensive to maintain.

<hr width=100% size=1>If it aint broke fix it till it is.

 

[Renegade_Master]

Short and sweet as ever OG, just like Mrs OG told me

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>