Originally Posted by Rik

I'd like to know what experience you have with a surface drive also Waconda. You seem to have an erection for ARNESONS.

I did not seem to read where you addressed the speed loss with a BMAX. You mentioned 8-10 mph but blamed it on the operators in the past. You said " As with any new drive set up props will have to be tested to get it dialed in." I take it that this is an extra cost for the boater also? Your budget does not seem to mention setup work after someone purchases a BMAX.

If you need an explanation of pricing, price out a complete, not a portion of a drive but a complete drive assembly that is required to make a boat function. Price IMCO, Teague and others and write that # down. You mentioned that your price on OSO as $30K for two drives with transom assm. Does that include steering, standoff box, bell-housing, trim pump, drive coupler, rear engine mount, mounting hardware and such or just the outside of the boat?

Now compare the real # and the one from the other Bravo Drive unit alternatives.

Now compare it to the cost of a #7M Kit... Understand now?

Originally Posted by 4195

Thanks again for everybody's advice, know I have another question. If I go with an Imco SCX upper can I bolt am XR lower on it? I know it is not the strongest but at least I could save some money toil next season or later this season. With the Imco I need the helmet change( another $995) Do I need any changes on steering! If I go with the Bmax I can put a Bravo lower with a shaft change plus they want you to upgrade to the Imco gimbal ring. No steering changes but you still have the shaft change as well.

Originally Posted by waconda

I only mentioned the gimbal ring for your own safety, it has nothing to do with the drive going on your boat. I would still change it going to a SCX or staying with a XR. I have had friends crash there boats after putting in bigger power and the gimbal ring breaking. You have a big boat and big power and the stock ring will be maxed out.

Originally Posted by A.O. Razor

I don't remember a Formula doing a #6 swap.

Are you refering to KJM5125s 382 fastech with ASD #7Ms? He's not dialed in yet at all, is most likely running the wrong props and has less than 10 hours total seat time with the drives. He has already picked up 2 mph over hes all time best with the XRs and SC -2s. There is a lot left on the table for that boat. He did have a transmission problem on hes first outing, but Rik and Arneson just shipped him an entire new tranny ready to drop in within a week, so no problems there and none since. It's going to be interesting to follow hes dialing in this season.

Originally Posted by waconda

Here we go again, Rik read the post back when Bmax first came out there was NO 1.5 Ratio available so when the 1.3 ratio was installed it did effect the top speed. It seems you and others are putting the Bmax down for things that happened before I took over the company.
I'm like others on here never owned one of your drives do to some reasons that have been discussed before. I get phone calls from customers of yours that have spent the money and there boats do not handle the way you say they should. The most recent from a guy in Louisiana I believe that can not get his boat on plane and seems to have a hard time getting answers from you.
NOT everyone or everybody wants to spend 60K to put your drives on there pleasure boat and I don't see why that makes some of the folk on here get so offensive.
I have no problem with your product at all, it definitely has a place in the higher end boat line.

Originally Posted by offshorexcursion

ANY one on here that is Skeptical of the Arneson, are you also skeptical of the #6, NXT, M8. Indy, BPM, etc?

Well you must be or you would be a hypocrite, right? Since they ALL are surface drives!!

Seriously, people crack me up. Just enjoy your broken bravos then, and let the rest of us have fun!

The reason you don't see many people on here talking about how much they love their Arneson??? They are actually out on the water enjoying reliable boating while the rest of us are dreaming about it on OSO!