Even though I am a big fan of the arneson drive its not included in my question.

What I am getting at is..... how is the new SCX Surface drive going to handle 800 to 1000 hp when the standard scx is rated for 800. Seems like most of us agree that a surface style drive and prop are harder on internal parts than a sterndrive. So maybe that's the reason the new scx surface drive is not out yet?

I see your still deliberating on this. My offer still stands.

How large is this "Cav" Plate? And how large is the propeller guard on an Arneson?

The outboard's I run (28' Skaters) are set with the propellers the same height as the Arnesons run so I don't follow the "way under water" comparison.

The amount of people injured on Bravo's and Outboard's propellers seem to disagree with your generalizations. The propeller setback on a Merc I/O is in the same basic place as an Arneson also. Give them all the respect and don't jump on any of them

You wish! Even though I am enjoying the cruiser......

Anyone have any test date or opinions on this? Just so courious maybe I should send it in to Myth Busters!

If the drive on his shop floor is an Arneson ASD7M and it is not damaged, I am interested in buying it and freeing up some of his garage space. Have one sitting in the garage now. Trying to save up for a 2nd. The economy is killing me and I can't afford a new one very soon like I planned. Send a PM if interested.

he doesn't normally sell many of his trinkets. He has a cat that when he bought it was twin turbine/surface drive, he then converted to single turbine, then turbo diesel and #3 (I think 3, and yes it died a grizzly death) and now 250 Merc O/B's amongst numerous other floating toys.
I was there picking up a boat several mnths ago and he had a just delivered, new in the box Arneson drive on the shop floor.
Was for his buddies 23' (I think) Eliminator w/a dual whipple monster motor. The guy has been through every hyper/Bravo drive he could find and all failed. Was into I think 130's w/more on the table.
The surface drive looked like a natural.
A really smart guy, did everything right. First time to the water w/the surface drive the boat burned to the water line.
Not sure where that one might be either.

They did a trip to Howards a few yrs back and brought back a wicked on board (Howards turbine Skater) video of them getting a ride proving Howard could spray the Golden Gate Bridge.
He could! His Skater has jet ski power plants to manuver it in/around the dock/ramp area before firing off the turbines!

Talk about thinking outside the box

Check out my buddies "wife's boat"
21' Ron Jones.
Before paint and after paint. Yes, he has some talented friends.

Regarding the boat with the Arneson Drive that burned down to the waterline, I have his ASD7M drive and transmission. If we are talking about the same person that lives in Shreveport, LA. Drive only had about 3-4 hours on it. He got a new boat. I am still looking for a 2nd. If I can't find one, I will just buy a new one as soon as the stock market improves.......I guess I will be waiting until you know who is out of office.

Excellent score! My buddies would be much older than that one.

I got a pretty good deal. Still cost. About the trim issue. I have been doing research and I have talked to several Arneson boat owners, all with twin applications and 38 foot boats and single notched transoms. It seems that the correct props is the key. Most people are trying 5 blade props. After talking to an individual that owns a 38 foot formula, single notch transom with ASD7M drives, he likes the 4 blades props better. He basically said that he had a hard time trimming up with the 5 blades, but had no problem trimming with the 4 blade. It makes since, as 5 blades give more stern lift. Anyway, I plan on trying both through BBlades test program....one day.