Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Rik you are correct nothing stands out like a set of Arenesons.

Any buyer that looks at an Arneson as a negative is misinformed.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

The 388 ASD-6 I was in docked awesome, I was extremely impressed. It was actually much easier than my #5 set up on my Nortech. The boat had no il handling, we got up to speeds of 77mph, had a cool rooster tale, turned with the best of them. Even getting on plane, had barely any bow rise, took approx 1-2 seconds longer amount of time to plane up, which could have been the way the boat was set up. To me its a simple design that works, it is effecient, handles definatly more power, has a tranny, upgradable shaft, upgradable dry sump tranny, to me it's a no brainer. The problem I see is RESALE, and that is ONLY because of the MIND SET of the general public. Servicing then comes up, TMP has a set of ASD-8s on a 50 Nortech cat, they didnt have a clue how to work on them, they do now, and approve of the system. They also have had experience on the 388 hustler with TMP 950's/ASD-6's, one hell of a kick ass set up. There is another thread floating around on the 39 Cig with the Merc 850's/6's, I would bet this set up will pull even harder. I just think it's great that people are willing to work together and use something other than Mercury. Get rid of the frickin monopoly, there are better products out there, but we are hesitant cause no one wants to take a chance, we need to listen to the ACTUAL people who have experienced different drives than the continual say so, just my personal take on it.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

[QUOTE=Biggus]Failure is not an option?! I think "good enough for government work," and "made by the lowest bidder" is a whole lot more accurate.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Welcome to the board Jackazz. You won't last long around here with stupid comments like that. Do a little research. :eureka: :eureka: :(

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Is 6 years in the Marine Corps and the past 7 months in Iraq enough "research" to know that government equipment is garbage?

EDIT: You ****ing turd

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

We are talking about engines and outdrives for boats.

By the way, thanks for serving our country.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

I know what we're talking about. Biggus said that the Konrad 540 has an advantage because the Navy was involved in its design. I said, based on my personal experience, that gov't involvement is not always a good thing.

To add my opinion on the setup, I would go with the stock mercs. Will a custom "blow by" you at a poker run? Probably. But are you going to keep the boat forever? Probably not, and it's nice to get some of your money back on the other "happiest day for a boater."

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Arneson is a great drive in certain applications, But again I've been in and have driven 2 arneson boats and prefer a bravo or speedmaster. People in my market are just very conservative and want resale, and wont even look at a Arneson boat. I'm not down on the drive, Its good for higher hp applications and rough water applications and Jazz is right has a tranny and simple. wish I could convince my customers in the midwest to use it, but It will just not sell here. All people care about here is resale it seems. Boat sales are soft right now and a Merc bravo boat will sell before a arneson boat. Merc has such a stronhold on the market everyone is just scard to change even though there are actually better products out there for less money. Personnally would have an naturally aspirated 750-800efi hp motor with merc 6 drive and be done, or the Ilmor 625 with merc 6 or Konrad would be a great lower hp package.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Like I stated, and Jassman confirmed, you need to ride in a modern boat with the drives on them before you make such claims.

An old staggered setup is nothing when compared to a side by side regardless of whose drives they are and the members on here that I mentioned can confirm the ABILITY to dock and maneuver.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Good post, another point is that all of us know and love our fav independant builders, mine personally is Larry Peto of Larrys Engine and Marine. He builds the engines for "Preadator" and send alot of boys home crying every year out here. Point is I would buy a used TMP or Peto or Pfaff before I would get behind Merc. You guys have heard me whine about the 496 HO being a piece of crap and with good reason, it is (I've gone through 3 in a year ).
Blue paint doesn't make you go fast, it makes your engine blue and marketing will not make your boat go anywhere. Quality and consistency should be your top priority when making a purchase followed by whatever your budget is and Wiggler if you have a Nor Tec you shouldn't be worrying about resale you should be worrying about getting punked out by another boat 1/10th the cost of yours :D
Merry Christmas everyone. :eek: :eek:

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Mr. Metal I dont know what punked out means but bring your 1/10 boat to the loto lake shootout and lets she how she does Have you ever riden in a supercat. I know there are a few in Havasu, you mightt want to ride in one first and then respond. Since I'm a dealer I'm very concerned about resale or I would be out of business.Staggered or side by side the arneson is a good drive but does'nt sell in the midwest. I think its a good drive, why do you guys keep writing about them. I've driven them I know how they respond and dock. As for modern I would assume 04 and 05 would fit that classification and no neither one of the boats is old staggered. they are both side by side both Hustlers

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Whoa buddy, I was making what looks like a failed attempt at humor, sorry if you took it the wrong way. no offense intended. But for the record my boat costs 3/10 of what a Nor tech does and yes I've been in one :drink:
The point I was trying to make and I'll lay it out a little plainer for you is that any one of us that is truly into this game of ours know the names and quality of this stuff the way a woman knows shoes :D And I would venture to guess that it would be close to a 50/50 split on what the majority of people consider to have a better resale. I think this would be a great topic for a poll btw, maybe you are the guy to post it?

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Metal bros. come on over a few states and give it your best try! Were sorry you don't have the $ for a NOR-TECH . But bring on the kachina . :evilb:

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Wiggler
ZUL'S rule
His new EFI series are real sweet


Rick OSG

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Resale also depends on where you are located and what type of water and boat application you use. On inland lakes Mercury sells, In the Ozarks if you want to sell new boats put in Mercury period. My point was simply that in my location people would'nt buy an Arneson drive period, not because its not good because of name recognition, drive and prop dangers while swimming and Nobody has them at loto. By the way did you like the nortech ride? sorry

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Wow, some humor doesn't go over too well, hey I am not hatin on anyone here buddy and I apologised to Wiggler if he took it the wrong way so I'm clean. What i don't recall is anyone asking you anything. BTW you don't have any idea what kind of money I have, get over yourself dude. I love Nor Techs BTW.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Thats a good point too, like if you took a DCB to FL it would probably lose some value because it isn't well known in that area.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

That is basically what I was saying, certainly not putting down the drive, just midwesterners are very conservative and hardheaded, they dont want to look at alternatives even if they are better.Any drive with Tranny is better than a Bravo. and yes Arnesons throw a nice tail too.You guys still should come up to the shootout . some wild boats and women. aug 26th.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

I didn't ride in the Nor Tech, the 2 supercats I've been in were the 44' Magic and 36 Spectre. The stance of the 36 NorTech is something awesome to see when it is coming at you full bore, we actually got video of a fellow boardmember ( bling bling ) on a run in Havasu, i'll see if I can get Steve to post it in the platinum section for all to see.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

You started talking $ and getting punked . As you can tell I dont put my thoughts on the net that often but I just happen to be stupid enough to buy a NOR-TECH . I like NOR- TECHS also . Can you tell . Do I need someone to ask me to put somthing on here? :( :(

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

I think you need a hug, I'm not the one to do it but you are not a happy man. Have a nice day.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

A lot of us want to come out there but I think we are doing SCOPE poke run at that time, gotta see what the new 34 will do.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Good bye metal bros I'LL miss that hug. :(

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Love ya man.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

This is getting out of hand, but the Hustler you named had to be either Matt Schade or Tim Friend, both of which are in your area and purchased the boats with the Arneson's. Both of those boats according to the owners are not a problem to dock.

Lets not forget TYSON! Although he has no reverse, or neutral or anything come to think of it. Merely direct drive and I hope you are not comparing that as an example. There are several other boats on LOTO with Arneson's as well.

As for the shoot out, which ever boat will be the fastest will not have Merc on it or any of the others you mentioned.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

You are right about the merc drives, they will not hold 2500hp, but BPM's will . The turbine boats are awesome. I'm convinced that the Zuls are the way to go. Richie is a honest straight shooting guy who I've had the chance to speak with in detail over the past 3 days.He will only produce the best and then stand behind it. The 750-800 Efi is looking like the setup. still have to decide on the drive.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

its funny how there are really no sales people anymore..
if u have a better product avail sell it,,, merc sucks we all know that,.
its sales not order taking...
u want happy customers in the long run sell it,,,,

ever hear of zig zigler... ??????????
nothing happens untill u sell something!!!!

i cant believe i bought a bout with xrs and sportmaster lowers JUNK!!
i can flat tell u that as a consumer i was not educated by the sales people..in general they are weak in the boat industry,
just my o4 cents :drink:
lets go rubber boating..
check out
www.californiafastboats.com
now these are different and fun.
and we are educating the public that zodiac sucks!!! :evilb:

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Also Lake Cumberland has or had as of June this year a 388 with Ilmor power and the ASD-6's, another example. Then you have the KE Turbo 388 boat, but havent heard anything on this as of yet.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Funny you mentioned the 388 with Vipers as it is the boat that convinced Eric Smith (Mean Streak) to purchase a new 388 with Arneson's as he liked the way the boat handled, drove and docked.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

I'm thinking about Ilmor 625's to put in a new Donzi 38ZR. Anyone actually have these in their boat? How many hours have you put in, what has broken (must be something) and how were they in helping get them fixed?

I am tired of broken blue, my 525's just went out of warranty with <70 hours they have spent more time in power reduction or at the dealer than being used. Parts are a big joke, 4-6 weeks to get anything and Merc does not seem to give a $#!@. Thankfully the dealer has been real nice.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

ED, I have the 625 Ilmor package in mine and love them. I now have about 30 hours on them and they have run flawlessly. Call me and I can answer any of your questions
Steve---704-239-1410

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

Steet, how is your fuel burn compared to your old 550 Ilmors?

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

I am not exactly sure as I have not done a comparison yet. I hope to do just that at the LOTO at the end of the month. I am vey impressed with the economy, but I suspect they use a little more than the 550's. I will know very soon. I still believe they will get better than the 500EFI's and the 525's.

Re: Which Engine/Drive Package???
 

are you going to the shootout? If so are you going to run in it?