I'm looking at a 1995 Avenger (non-stepped) with 600sc motors and speedmaster 5 drives.

I know the speedmasters are great drives, but I think the 5s are shorties and usually used in cats? The dealer says they operate way different and it's more of a process to plain off. I don't have any experience with these drives, but I'm looking for a fast 38' pleasure boat for Lake MI, and it doesn't seem like these would be the right setup for me? Maybe have them swap them out for 3a drives instead?

Thanks!

This has to be the boat you are looking at.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...enger-98397132

It is in my backyard. I assume you have been speaking with Jeff about the boat. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you here locally concerning the boat. I've dealt with the dealer numerous times over the last 13 years. Jeff knows his offshore boats so you can trust what he is telling you concerning how the boat runs with its current setup.

That is the boat, and I did talk with Jeff last week. I didn't get much detail, but he didn't seem to think this was the best pleasure boat because of the drives. I suppose I could talk with him about swapping the drives if that's the only hangup too. I just don't see many Vs with SSM 5 drives, so that's why I was curious for opinions.

Steve

You might want to PM Jassman and get his thoughts on SSM V's on a deep vee. I'm pretty sure he had them on a 43 Nor-Tech (Excess Wetness) with Eddie Young power.

Also, you might want to post your question in the General Discussion or Drives forums.

I sent the PM and also posted in the Drives forum. Thanks for the help!

The drives I had on my 43 NT were 5's..it was my first experience with speedmasters. I likes them, no hick ups, but compared to 6's they were a lil different. The 6's plained quicker on the same boat, and I believe the 6's were more effecient. Both boats had about the same power..around 700-725hp.. The Merc 700 boat with nxt uppers and 6 lowers did almost 93 which was 10mph faster than the 04 43 NT with 700 naturally asperated with the 5's. Its not a real world apples comparision, the 08 NT with the 700's was about 1000 lighter as well. I would not buy a bravo boat..the 5's will do the job, and there is no worry of breaking.. Jeff

Thanks for the help!