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?

Excellent idea!

Can't wait to learn more.

Brian Kamrath

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!!!

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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