I personally would really like to see Arneson Surface drives used in all boat racing including OSS. I think the Taboo SV would race OSS if he could and I think many other teams would choose the Arneson drive if they could.

Ben

I agree Ben. Not only have they been "bullet-proof" on my 46, they have been backed-up with outstanding factory support since day one.

It seems there's been a lot of drastic changes since Ft. Lauderdale a few years ago, eh Bertel?

No one is saying its not a good product! Bertal is saying that the racers have shown no interest in running the product. Its all about the racers voting on what they want. And the racers seem to be happy with the # 6 drives now. Multiple drive options just cost more money for the racers. Options mean testing and testing means more money. I think the racers spend enough as it is.
MD

So you're saying that Pat or Rik's product are more expensive than Mercury and Mercury gives you better support. I beg to differ. There wouldn't be a #6 w/o Pat and his crew. And Arneson has been making bulletproof product for almost thirty years.

I understand parity in our type of racing is important. We all went thru the Factory class years. Races in our sport are in it to win but many have the knowledge and know-how to try new things to get an advantage. Changing the rules every time someone other than the almighty Mercury comes up with something is the reason you see fewer and fewer boats at races.

If I had the choice today and was building a ne boat. It wouldn't have a black part on it. MY $.02

Andy Bloom

Shifter is his own worst enemy. He makes a part, the boat wins with it time after time, then everyone else needs to step or step aside. Then when someone else builds a better mousetrap, everyone needs to switch again.

It's cheaper to stay with one mousetrap, even if it's not the best, everyone is using it. Hence parity.

Otherwise, run what you like in the OPA races.

I'm sorry but if you think that a different outdrive would require more than what is required for a top team currently in testing then you don't have a grasp of what separates a top team from another team. TEST is a four letter word.

Take SCL for example. Is one to believe that all you need is a 368 Skater with SSM#6's and you are the winner? Or is it the team that has done their homework the best and at the same time has the talent inside the boat to put it to its potential that wins the race?

Please remember everyone was running a Bravo or a Bravo copy in SCL and SV until they finally realized that the maintenance was costing more than the initial cost of a SSM#6 drive unit.

This was a sticker shock to say the least in the up front cost to the racers in propellers and drive units. For comparison I can sell them a pair of drives for the cost what a single SSM#6 drive cost. (Same propellers as the SSM#6 drive unit so no bas tard prop argument please)

In doing so, I obviously will not have the retained capital to throw at sponsorship as others have and will not have a big semi rig, but at the same time a racer will have more of their $$ in their own pocket to spend where ever they desire.

For a support truck all I need is a white rental van with a banner at the races. Purchase some Ice from Mr. Haggin, some BEER from Mr. Scott and sit back and watch a race and supply the coldness.

Oh, looks like at least one racer has voiced an interest in running Arneson Surface Drives in this forum alone.

Rik

Here is a picture of our Weismann #6 dry-sump drives. There seems to be some confusion.

The ones that peppers owns are identical.

We are the original designers and manufactures of the dry-sump #6ssm and #6a ssm dry-sump drives. We also made the #4 ssm dry-sump as well. We still produce them today.

The Peppers team is spending $XX,XXX to change the drives and gimbals out for Merc #6a ssm dry-sump.

I am sure they could have put that money to good use intead of wasting it.

Peppers wanted to race my drives on the boat and they still do.

pat W

So what did Mercury change on the Dry-sump #6 that makes it differant than the Weismann drive, other than the decals. Sound like a money $$$ thing to me.

RIK, i agree with your last comment, all you would need to bring to the races would be a cooler and ice. First, I've never seen a properly set-up Arneson break and second all the bearings, seals, etc. are available at any local bearing house. So maybe a small box of parts and some sun sceen would get you thru a good weekend of racing.

Ron P, What you are talking about is advances in technology. That is what racing is about. I understand that when new technology becomes available that it takes money to upgrade. When Mercury came out with the "X" and "XR" drives I never received a letter from Mercury saying "Since you have been running our HP500 Factory package please let us take your old Bravo 1 some $$$ and we'll supply you with the new more reliable version for the upcoming season". Nope never heard that.>>>>

Even more interesting is that the Arneson drive has been around for twenty-some years with no major changes in design from original.

As a racer I understand that you have to keep the parity to make a good show and keep interest. But technology is what makes racing exciting. The racers who don't have the long buck are the one who try new things to keep up with the more established teams. Hence why we are not running stright inboards anymore.

Andy Bloom

Actuall the drives are different in more ways than just decals. I don't know all the details just the the Merc is a little simpler.