darkostoj

Looking at a 1997 35' piranha with twin 454's I could probably scoop up for a good deal

I've never had a v-drive before. Just curious what is the general opinion about them?

Dkahnjob

I have owned many V-drive boats, both smaller flat bottoms and larger cruisers.
V-drives are very good, low maintenance and fun to drive.
A V-drive boat will generally get up on a plane and accelerate faster than the same boat with outdrives. But the Outdrive boat will have a faster top speed with the same power than the V-drive boat because the thrust line is parallel. Other than the shaft seal at the shaft log there isn't much to do from a maint. standpoint on a V-drive. Unlike outdrive that have many parts that need regular service.
V-drive boats don't steer in reverse, but with twin engines that shouldn't be a problem.

Over all I like V-drive and would preferr them all things being equal.

JRider

iTrader: (1)

Do the props spin in the same direction?

darkostoj

I have a very big lake to go on, but occasionally we head out to party and there water is about waist deep. Is that doable with a v-drive or no?

OK...maybe a little more then occasionally

darkostoj

they would have to be opposite right?

I think i might be able to get this for under 20k with the trailer...seems like a steal to me.

huskyrider

iTrader: (1)

If you've got the coin I'd say "Jump on it!!!"
Heve her gone over by a surveyor, get a seatrial, and see if there are any needs to be taken care of.
I'd certainly call that a great price for a good running boat like this on a trailer.

Congrats on your find.

See ya,
Kelly

Dkahnjob

As long as you know how much water the boat draws and have a depth indicator and pay attention it shouldn't be a problem. But if you do run it aground it can get expensive.
I have operated V-drive boats for years and only had one problem grounding it. I was given bad directions by someone who claimed to know the river. I had to replace the strut, shaft and rudder.

darkostoj

anybody ever heard of a piranaha boat before? I'm doing some searching and having a hard time finding info.

it was made out of florida and the company was bought out in 1999

the model of the boat is called a piranha express

its a very nice looking style boat. I found another picture of one...its very sleek

Dkahnjob

V-drive would be my choice over outdrive. Way lower maintenance. I say buy it if the boat checks out OK.

Ran-Dom 32

it's been for sale for quite a while, sure seems like an oldball set up to me, can't seem to give it away
http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/2380452678.html

kind of fugly