hey, I just recently bought a 38', 1979 Signature, I plan to completely restore it. the hull is in great condition. It has no drive train. this boat was only used for racing. It was equipped with side by side motors, with Kaama surface drives. my question is, should I contiue with the surface drive set up or go with standard drive system?? Also does anybody have, or know where i can get some history on Signature boats, pics etc. also anything about Tommy Adams etc. any help would be appreciated. Al

Welcome to the board !!

Your not getting any advise untill you post up some pictures of your new toy !

Surface drives = cool old school. Welcome.

Keep the surface drives

Tommy Adams raced "Spirit of America" in 1976, a 38' and also owned the Signature boat company. Signature was located on 188th St. Next door to Cigarette (I think this later became the Pantera shop) I've got some old pics of it but can't post them-(computer illiteracy)
Adams, like Don had an "untimely death"

Wasn't there a Signature that raced in the Great Lakes...."Feel the Rush" or something like that.....

There are alot of old signatures out there 27',32',38' great rough water boats. I've run in Feel The Rush a few times for a 32' it felt like a 38' in the rough stuff. Staggered with 700Hp and 3A's ran in the low 90's.

I say keep the surface drives. Kaama's are notoriuos for leaky boots that dry out in the sun bad thing to happen. Also the twin disc tranny is a little on the weak side if you plan on big power. I'd suggest Arnesons, better design and parts still available.

I had kammas on a 40' formula . They are strong ,and nothing to them . They have an internal gear ratio also . Should have that on the tag .There are a few places around that really know them pretty good . I just had a local machine shop make my parts that broke due to lack of greese in the u joint . The boots I bought from Team archer marine .

The trans is very weak . I do beleive that hurth has a trans that will replace it but don't know the power rating . they have the twin disc model 502 on them now . they are a 1.5 to 1 reduction with the output shaft on a 10 degree down angle I think .

The only thing about the drive is ,I think it is too short for that size boat . I think an arneson asd 8 is about a foot or more ,longer . An arneson is about 42 or 44 inches long to the tip of the prop shaft . plus the thickness of the drop chain box if you use it . Also , the arneson is bullet proof !

Now where's those pictures !

I owned and operated a 1983 28 Signature with triple outboards.
Excellent Rough water boat.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ight=signature

JAdams welcome to OSO!!