Need some opinions please. What are the pros and cons of each of these drives with a 36 with either Merc 525's or possibly the new Merc 600. Thanks for your help.

I'll be watching for the responses. I wonder if you might get more responses on the general or technical board?

i would put it in the tech section too... i vote surface drive, what is the cost diff?

I do have this in the tech section also. Thanks

I was told that the SSM-5's would be about $22000.00 over the Arneson setup. Any info on these two set ups would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

My only experience is with a cat. For reliability, you are comparing apples and watermellons. You would need to compare a #6 to any Arnesen. Docking and take offs are all easy. There is a 36 cat with Arnesens in Michigan. I think you are looking at a very turn-key set-up.

Mark Smith

arneson is cheaper? i would think that is a no brainer....

Chuck take the money for the #5's , and buy the 600's. Use your head. DOMZ

#5's are kind of big for 525's, even 600's. They will suck some major HP form those little puppies.
Arneson's are lighter, more maintenace free, durable(bullet proof). $$$ for props will set ya back. Maybe even on your seat! The new design of trimable Arnesons is very cool. Getting on plan is nothing like conventional drives but you get used to it.

Thanks Expresscat.