I will look into that - this is the first time I'm hearing that name.


**EDIT: I did some checking on the Blackhawk - it actually sounds like what I'm looking for. Apparently they are pretty scarce these days - but I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for one.


I am considering the O/B option very seriously...but I know even less about them than I do outdrives; so that scares me a little.




*** On a slightly different subject, I've found a boat for sale with a pair of #3 drives on it. From what I'm told these are good drives that reliably hold 700-800 hp and are more durable because they use a transmission - and that the downside is parts are hard to find and they consume quite a bit of power. Is what I'm told true, and what are some other pros/cons to these drives?

It's been a while since I have heard about #3s, but I have heard parts are getting hard to get.

Is 69-70 mph typical for your setup? I would have thought it would have had a bit more in it. Perhaps you are losing power in the pump, and may want to have the pump blueprinted. Also maybe your engine isn't putting out as much power as thought.

Michael
Michael

The cost to install a Arneson will probably be more than buying 2 nice outboards and converting your boat, or even more than just buying another 21 foot boat. I would buy a different boat as every time someone I hear of switches drives (jet to i/o, etc) it turns into a expensive fiasco and boat ends up on E-bay 10 years later in parts, Smitty

I may be able to help
 

I have a 21 Daytona with a BBC and an IMCO -3 SC outdrive. In my opinion it's a great combo. Very fast without a ton of power. I've done a lot of testing and research on different combo's for this type of hull.

The main issue is to get a high x dimension. I gained over ten MPH going from a standard bravo to a neg three Imco. If you are going to re rig the boat cut the drive in high. Shoot for about on inch below the pad. I'm at 2.5 inches but it would be faster if it were higher, I just don't want to cut the boat and move everything up.

I would also stay away from the Blackhawk. It's too much fun to be able to switch from a top end prop to a drag prop at a moments notice. And an XR or Imco will handle more power(From what I'm told.) Plus the props are way cheaper. I run Bravo 1 props which are easy to find and I havent found a better performer.

On Performanceboats.com there is a thread about a brand new 21 Daytona build with an Arneson and a 1400 hp motor. It's been a year of testing and they can't get it to work with that drive. The reports are that it is ill handling above 70 mph and wont go straight.

As far as twin outboards, your boat with a healthy V8 and an outdrive (set up right) will walk all over one. I know fom several experiences:D

Some motivation!
 

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff6pcqUPqfE&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/YOUTUBE]

Standard Bravo is a timebomb w more than 500hp. A Blackhawk is no more durable than any other Bravo, props are scarce and expensive. Aftermarket Bravo style drives are expensive and deliver mixed results.

Outboards (2 stroke) are hard to beat, but your boat is a poor candidate for a retrofit,

Shoe and pump work may make your boat a better jetboat, but it won't make it a 90 mph boat.

Arneson conversion may actually cost less than a Bravo conversion, but you'll need to discuss it w Rik Wimp and chase down every story you can find about a similar hull w surface drive. As "Geoo" showed everybody, nontraditional rudders, fins, and wings can be used to address just about any weird handling issue on a surface drive boat (he had a 18' Donzi vee hull running well into the 100's w an Arneson).

You did ask a question that you really need to answer for yourself though. "Should I buy another boat?"

If you want a surface drive Daytona, you can find one, test it, and if you like it you can buy it.

If you want a Bravo Daytona, you can find one, test it, and if you like it you can buy it.

Conversions don't give you the option of "not buying it" if it ends up less wonderrful than you'd hoped.

Mc