Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > General Discussion > General Boating Discussion
Launch / Holeshot what is safe for your drives? >

Launch / Holeshot what is safe for your drives?

Notices
General Boating Discussion

Launch / Holeshot what is safe for your drives?

Thread Tools
 
Old 08-10-2021 | 09:27 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
VIP Member
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 248
Likes: 99
From: St. Louis, MO
Default Launch / Holeshot what is safe for your drives?

I realize it's a question with a million variables, but i'll ask anyway.

I'm new to boats, but have been around performance cars a long time so I understand power/parts/weight all play a factor. Generally speaking, if you're taking off from idle how aggressive should/can you be with the throttle? I had my boat out the first time last weekend and was really easing into it out of the hole in fear of breaking something. The guy I purchased from didn't seem like he beat on the boat at all, so it may just be his mindset to play it safe and put less stress on the drives. I've launched cars on slicks at 4k RPM and never had an issue, but maybe boats are different lol

What's the consensus?
540Fever is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-2021 | 09:31 PM
  #2  
SB
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,068
Likes: 3,667
From: On A Dirt Floor
Default

Pretend your boat has a very weak expensive outdrive that can and will break quickly. Oh wait, it does.
. Say no to ‘holeshots.”

Torque loading it is a killer.
Old 08-10-2021 | 10:11 PM
  #3  
VIP Member
20 Year Member
VIP Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 333
From: ankeny,ia.
Default

Originally Posted by 540Fever
I realize it's a question with a million variables, but i'll ask anyway.

I'm new to boats, but have been around performance cars a long time so I understand power/parts/weight all play a factor. Generally speaking, if you're taking off from idle how aggressive should/can you be with the throttle? I had my boat out the first time last weekend and was really easing into it out of the hole in fear of breaking something. The guy I purchased from didn't seem like he beat on the boat at all, so it may just be his mindset to play it safe and put less stress on the drives. I've launched cars on slicks at 4k RPM and never had an issue, but maybe boats are different lol

What's the consensus?
The rear end gears in your car were large and the car was light, the boat is heavier and the drives have gears in them that are of the size that would work nice in a garden tractor
JaayTeee is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-2021 | 10:24 PM
  #4  
SABER28's Avatar
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 273
From: jenison mi
Default

things i dont understand? guy at a neighboring cottage has a small Baja with a 400 hp 350 chevy. completely floors it every time he takes off for 10 years or more.????? drive never has broken. lol
SABER28 is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-2021 | 10:46 PM
  #5  
Thread Starter
VIP Member
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 248
Likes: 99
From: St. Louis, MO
Default

Originally Posted by JaayTeee
The rear end gears in your car were large and the car was light, the boat is heavier and the drives have gears in them that are of the size that would work nice in a garden tractor
I watched a rebuild video and the ring and pinion are pretty small. My logic was slicks which don’t slip at all versus a prop that will spin some in the water.

Note taken though - take it easy.
540Fever is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-2021 | 10:52 PM
  #6  
SB
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,068
Likes: 3,667
From: On A Dirt Floor
Default

Originally Posted by SABER28
things i dont understand? guy at a neighboring cottage has a small Baja with a 400 hp 350 chevy. completely floors it every time he takes off for 10 years or more.????? drive never has broken. lol
You next door ? Lololol
But it’s been 15 yrs. ?

Torque vs weight (which includes water resistance) . This is why small boats with small blocks and small diam props can give the Alpha drive hell.
SB is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-2021 | 11:47 PM
  #7  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,042
Likes: 712
From: Toledo Oh
Default

You have a ford excursion with a built motor, drag slicks and the rear end out of a 72 pinto.... punch it !!!

Terms you understand??
phragle is offline  
Reply
Old 08-11-2021 | 05:48 AM
  #8  
Indy's Avatar
Member #154
25 Year Member
Platinum Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 1,066
From: SW CT & Long Island Sound
Default

Why beat on your equipment, fixing stuff and spending money on parts was never my idea of more fun than boating. Boats break enough, they don't need extra help.
Indy is offline  
Reply
Old 08-11-2021 | 07:19 AM
  #9  
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 129
Likes: 31
Default

You need enough throttle to get you up on plane quick enough so you don’t look like an idiot
marks86 is offline  
Reply
Old 08-11-2021 | 07:50 AM
  #10  
Registered
Active Streak: 30 Days
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 574
From: Lake Ozark, MO USA
Default

Give it hell $$$$$. Marine tech's have to make a living too !!! LOL $$$
Helmwurst is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.