Ron P

I was wondering why more boats don't use the Arneson surface drive. They have proven to be reliable and offer less drag for increases speed. Why don't more boats use them? What am I missing?

SABER28

expensive, hard to get boat on plane, etc

RickerTX

How Expen$ive??

SABER28

i do not have exact prices, but they are several times more expensive than outdrives.

Dueclaws

I've used Arnesons in the past and had good luck, but not every hull is suitable.
Ask Rik Wimp at Arneson for information:

[email protected]

pantera38

I have owned a 22' Avanti for the past 10 years that has had an Arneson drive on it coupled to a warm 454. It has been very reliable, easy to service, and a very predictable drive - as long as it is not trimmed up to the max. but - I have never driven a performance boat at speed with a Bravo style drive - so I can't compare.

As for cost, it is more expensive, but not extremely more. I think the cost is about $8500 complete.
I think a complete new Bravo assembly with transom is $5k +.

I would also agree with Dueclaws - every hull might not be suitable for the drive, and you should consult with the experts.

Lou

Ron P

Seems like they are as stong as a #5 or #6 drive and I never hear anyone considering them when looking into a new drive package.

Compared to a 5 or 6 they are way less expensive.

boot

When you consider what your intensions are : SPEED and HORSE POWER, THey are cheaper !

SABER28, What are you comparing them to as being expensive ? A bravo? Even the high performance bravos blow up all the time . I have NEVER herd of an Arneson blowing . So if you compare them ,apples to apples, to a speed master , They are cheaper and offer more speed . THe speed master can be put on the surface but is a shorter prop shaft and has different angles of trim giving it more cavitation problems as it is in rougher water closer to the transom . The Arneson with longer reach makes the boat run like it's longer ( Like an extension box). As for planing , Most people I know complane about planing time with speed masters and bravos too . WHen you set up a boat for 1 thing ,it will suffer somewhere else . If it is top end , your hole shot may suffer . If you set it for hole shot ,the top end will suffer .
Now if you have the power , and the "RIGHT" set up on an Arneson . I don't think you suffer at all ! At least you can't tell anyway.

Ask RONP , Did "jet set " have any problem planing ?? NO !! IT will hit 100 in less then 5 seconds ! OR , Did he have a problem with top speed ? NO ! 195 mph is not much of a problem huh . Just my .02 . You have to compare apples to apples . IN that way , the Arneson is cheaper , faster , and doesn't brake ..

I know nothing about the racing politics but as I understand the sanctioning bodys won't allow Arneson's to compete against "their" mercruiser products . Sounds like they are scared Of the Arnesons for a good reason ..... They work . Not knocking the speed masters , they are good too . Just answering the above quesion .

Ron P

I agree with Boot but I'm talking about pleasure boats and poker runners. Race boats need to play by the rules.

boot

Another good thing about Arnesons is your props are NEVER in the mud !

I took mine out 2 weeks ago for a test run . 39' express cat (heavy) We were in very shallow water , (no wake)I pushed it just a little and had the nose pointing up high and ass burried DEEP in the water . I left it run like that for about 100 yards leaving the house . I didn't touch any mud at all . MY friend was following me in his sonic with his bravos UP HIGH , and riding flat at a dead idle . HE hit all the way out !! And my drives are not even trimable . They are fixed position . So I couldn't pull them up if I wanted to . BUT, I didn't need to .