Post of the century right there.

Hmmm. I have a friend with a 1987 Fountain that came from the start with drop box ASD8s and 900/1100s in front of them. They have never been off the boat, they have never had a failure......and get this, he has never even checked the oil in them. That boat has had paint, interior, numerous engine and trans rebuilds. Everything on that boat has been touched once, except those drives. Sure maybe not 1350 HP, but once you see the inside of an ASD drive you will understand why they just don't break.

I have also never seen a #6 or #8 boat parked with the blades under the swim platform, same props....and they hurt just as much attached to a merc drive.

Amen brother

1st, I'm glad you are happy with what you have. However, I do not understand what an Arneson has to with a bussel or any other part of the boat? I think you might be confused on how things are setup. YES one can make them fixed as far as steering and use a rudder but that is not necessary as they are fully capable of steering and triming on their own.'

As for propellers, last I check'd its the EXACT same propeller on the Arneson as it is the Merc, so how is one going to be less injured over the other? Neither offer any protection for swimming and kicking a propeller, even a Bravo or Outboard have this prevalent problem.

Just saying.. facts vs misperceptions.

Asd 8s are maybe an inch or 2 longer than a 6 drive with the standard thrust tube.

well said rick, i think people get all weird about arnesons just cuz the're so frickin mean looking, the rear shot of the chief boat looks wicked! What a monster. Those drives look like they are all business.. Rm

Problem is he's probably never seen a boat with Arnesons that steer and is confusing the two setups for one. A lot of boating is monkey see monkey do and if people see that we use a rudder and fix them for trim they, through no fault of their own really, assume that this must be the only way things are done when in reality couldn't be farther from reality.

Now the propeller comments just blow my mind as they are the EXACT same propeller and how its more dangerous all of a sudden is? And who really swims in close contact with ANY outdrive or outboard?