arneson asd7m surface drive vs bravo xr
 

OK, I need some info on surface drives. I am hoping to change out the drives this winter. I currently have a 35' Nordic Flame, twin 525's with xr drives. I was looking at IMCOs, but then started to think about surface drives.
What are the advantages, and dis advantages of surface drives? Has anyone done a similar application? How does it effect handleing? How does it compare price wise?
All information appreciated

Thanks

They work well on some boats and not as well on others.Do a search on the topic

Are you looking for more speed? Your XR's should be strong enough for your power.

Ask Rik Wimp at Arneson, they will not break and cheaper than you think.

would not mind more speed, would love more stability at speed, hoping the nose cone on the IMCO, 2" shorter for both the above.
I have already blown one drive, at 75 hours, and want something more bullit proof, to ensure less down time, and $$$

Than the Arnison is your answer. Report back with your findings please.

Have you considered Konrad drives?. I know I would give them serious consideration based on the feedback I have read here.

what are the handling charactoristics of the arnesons vs the bravos?

Do they help high speed stability (80-92 mph)
how are they coming to plain?
docking?
assume they are fairly bullit proof for moderate hp (525-750 hp)
anyone on the board that you know of that has used it on a 32-40' stepped hull v boat?

thanks

You may not be able to acheive the bow lift you need on that boat. You need to approach this with EXTREME CAUTION!

current set up had a problem with too much bow lift. I have removed two of the four batteries from the back, and have the drives slightly toed in to keep the nose down at speed. I had Tres Marten look at the boat a couple years ago, during a driving class, and he seemed to think the center of gravity was off in the boat, too much weight in the back.