X-Rated30

O.K. -- we have had histories of vee's, cats, and steps. I would like to know about the history of surface drive technology. For those who don't already know a surfacing prop is more effecient than a submerged prop. There are several new types of surface drive out, so the application is obviously a practical one.

Who started them?
Why?
What were the roles of Howard Arneson, Betty Cook, etc.?
Where are they going?

martiniboat

Excellent idea!

Can't wait to learn more.

Brian Kamrath

X-Rated30

Yeah, but the first person that brings up Apache (without a pic of a surface drive hangin' off the back) is getting reported to a moderator!!!

traviss

well you should know apaches don't use surface drives, there already fast enough

C_Spray

iTrader: (2)

How about a list of manufacturers to get things going:[list=1][*]Arneson[*]Kaama[*]BPM[*]TriMax (Buzzi)[*]Twin Disc[*]Pulse[/list=1]

WARPAINT

I just recieved an email that said someone said Apache.........

X-Rated30

Good call, but did you leave off Borg-Warner? I think they manufactured the prototype asd-6 or something like that. Also, I believe Weismann Drives are surface piercing. Perhaps Shifter or someone can enlighten us.

Reed Jensen

Weismann drives are like a Merc #6 speedmaster... except they use spur gears to transmit the power to the prop shaft... instead of 90 degree bevel gears and shafts. So they have a gimbal housing and steering rams... A Arneson has a ball and socket instead of the gimbal.

cuda

I can contribute a picture of Kaamas, but as far as history, about the only thing I know is that Betty Cook ran them.

Reed Jensen

Zippy looking drives Cuda.... are those swim fins bolted to the tops of the skegs?