I perfer the SCX.. Well at least I bought one, and have not gotten the boat finished to run it yet. I will be in the same area on HP.. weigh about the same as you. 28' Checkmate. Single.. with power adder.

What price range would I be looking at? I would need the complete unit gimble mount to drive.

Wow they dont give those Arneson's away. Alittle to pricey for my pockets. Don't get me wrong I would love to have this set up!

When its all said and done, there really is no price difference when you factor the proven reliability .. Arneson is the real deal. Drive a few boats before you purchase if possible. A single application will be hard to find. Miami will have some twins.

I will agree with Mr.Gadgets on the SCX. I haven't busted mine with a 900 blower motor.

There is no such thing as 1000hp drive and a deal. If you get something cheap or used and save money up front, it will cost you more down the road. Compared to a #6 set up, the Arneson is a reasonable alternative. If I remember correctly the SCX runs in the $15k range and you are still running a Bravo style set up. Blow that once, and an Arneson would be cheaper.

Arneson

I'm running a #6 in a single engine v bottom application and have never regretted going this route.

while I agree with your assessment Tom, some boats just are not suited to a single arnie drive. Ever try backing a single engine surface drive cat into a dock ? Not to mention the lack of "trim ability" with no leverage to push the nose up and the less than stellar low speed ( on plane) handling. It does however make for a great "top end" boat. BTDT. Went back to a bravo style ( SCX) set up for a more all around ride.
Now, a single engine cat with a power splitter and TWO arnie 6 drives would be a sweet set up. I considered it for a while but WOW. the bucks involved would have been astronomical for a 25 foot boat.

Diamiond perfromance quoted me $13500 plus $900 for the helmet. I am just looking at all angles and yes I realize there are no deals when it comes to quality and reliability.