My wife and I are looking at getting a bigger boat for next season and I have a basic question for all the Boat Pittsburghers out there. What are both benefits and disadvantages of having a V drive system on a cruiser or having an out drive system?
We are looking at 28 to 34 foot cruisers. I know it would be hard to find a V drive system on a 28, but some of the bigger boats have either one or the other.
Personally, I've been much happier with v-drives in the houseboat than outdrives (what i had on my old runabout). I just like the fact that almost everything is inside of the boat with the exception of the prop, shaft and rudder. That said, if there is not much room to work in the engine hatch then perhaps it could be a bad thing all of the maintenance etc is in there. With twin's it should not matter with one or the other how easy it it is to drive. I know with the single v-drive in the mastercraft, there is no backing up accurately - but with twins you won't even need the steering wheel
Some of the boating this year has been in some pretty shallow water and being able to put the outdrives up is kinda nice though.
Like anything each has their pros and cons. The biggest advantage of an I/O is the ability to trim which makes it much more efficient and increases performance. However, that also mean more moving parts and drives that are outside the boat. This is more to maintain. I also would give the nod to V-drives for close quarters manuvering - although many will debate with me on that one.
Having both an I/O and V drives at the present time, they both have their advantages and disadvantages. The major disadvantage to the I/O is, as Terry said, more maintinance. However, the ability to trim allows you in shallower water and as said better performance. V drives have an edge when handeling, especially in close quarters. That said, my son who captains freighters on the Great Lakes could make a single I/O stand up and salute. It's all in your ability. When you reach 30 or more feet, twins are a necessity. My opinion, of course. I have found over the years that I prefered the twin V drives on my 30 Searay, to same sized boats with I/O's. Whatever you decide, good luck with the new boat.
I/o's all the way. 30 percent better fuel economy, better performance, and better low speed handling. Most of the manufacturers that offer both, have stats, and you will find that the i/0 will outrun the veedrive in every category. Yes, i agree, maintenance is alot more with an i/o.
for use on the rivers it doesnt matter....find the boat you want regardless of the drives...if u were on lake erie or doing long cruising then it would matter...if that isnt the case, buy the boat not the propulsion system....FYI...I have a 34 foot cruiser that I would sell...2001 3470 cruisers yachts...
Thanks to everyone who responded to this post! It really helps to get various individuals' thoughts! Being as though I own a 21 foot boat with a single outdrive I don’t have much experience with twins configured in either way.
Thanks for helping me do some of this homework….now I just have to worry about selling our boat first!
V Drives Vs. Outdrives
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