Recommendations for Outdrive Shower

[Nacho Boat]

I recently posted on my BIII's both slowly leaking fluid. See the linked thread:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25305&highlight=outdrive+shower

I just had my outdrives removed and serviced. Technician could not find any evidence of any leaking. So, after another "outside" run, again my outdrives need some topping off on the fluid.

So, I think I am going to try installing the outdrive showers that some folks have discussed.

1. Looking for recommendations and ease of installation - what have you seen and can recommend?

2. Anyone who has installed the system - are you happy you installed it?

Looking for any positive or negative feedback before I make the leap. Thanks again!!!!

 

[Dave S]

I had the Simrek Drive Shower on my 240SD and I feel this is the best drive shower you can get. http://www.driveshowers.com/ I had the older style shower that required me to drill two holes in the cavatation plate whereas the new ones don't require any drilling. I also had fluid that seemingly disappeared into thin air on my B3 which I also had pressure tested (didn't show anythng) and believe it or not the Simrek stopped that phenomonen.

However, my 240SD was dry stacked not wet slipped and that is the reason I chose not to put one on my 260DA which is wet slipped year round. It increases the stainless content and therefore has the potential to create more corrosion on the aluminum drive (at least this is my opinion). Your situation may be different but in our lake corrosion on B3s is really big problem.

Dave

 

[skolbe]

I had another brand of drive shower and - after comparing it to the Simrek - it is the way to go. Buy a Simrek and you will be happy. The problem with mine was that you didn't have to drill anything into the outdrive - but if you caught some stuff in the water - it would move the shower back.

 

[Stray Cat]

If your tech drained each gear case, then refilled them, some topping off is normal. As for drive showers, my concern on them being effective is with marine growth (or in my case zebra muscles) taking up residence in or at the inlets if you wet slip your boat, in addition to what Dave said about adding more SS to the outdrive.

I think there is some merit if you drystack or trailer the boat.

 

[skolbe]

I kept my 260 on a lift - I would be reluctant to have a drive shower in the water all the time.

 

[Nacho Boat]

I kept my 260 on a lift - I would be reluctant to have a drive shower in the water all the time.

Thanks for the info - My boat is currently kept on a trailer (high and dry), so I am assuming that this situation would make it ideal for this outdrive shower.

I found another shower on E-Bay, but it required drilling two holes in the outdrive (which really scares me....).

 

[Dave S]

My boat is currently kept on a trailer (high and dry), so I am assuming that this situation would make it ideal for this outdrive shower.

If you are not mooring it in the water you will be fine. If I were in your situation, I would order them without hesitation. One more plug for Simrek. At the time I bought mine, Formula installed these drive ahowers on all their high performance models straight from the factory as standard equipment.

Dave

 

[skolbe]

I was reluctant to drill holes - but - it is not a big deal.

 

[Nacho Boat]

I was reluctant to drill holes - but - it is not a big deal.

It's $150 for a pair off e-bay that require drilling vs $360 for a pair of Halo outdrive showers from Simrek that simply bolt on.

Is it worth $210 to not have to drill four holes in my outdrives?

 

[Nacho Boat]

Anyone use the showers from Wicked Marine? Check out these test results:

http://www.justwickedmarine.com/testing.htm

 

[Dave S]

I have no experience with Wicked Marine. It appears they are dissing the Simrek shower with their test. I also can't get their video to play either to check the water pattern. All I know is the Simrek shower worked for me. As to what is on ebay, is it the older Simrek unit that requires you to drill holes? If so then there is nothing wrong with those. Also, if you have questions and concerns don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call Paul Simrek (his number is on his web site). I talked to him several times and he is knowledgeable and will answer all your questions. If you do call him, also suggest he talk to Jim here on CSR about becomming a vendor on this site. Possibly he is willing to offer some discounts to start as well if he becomes a new vendor on the site.

Dave

 

[Great Escape]

I am running the Simrek "Halo" brand and have had no issues with the units since 2002. The pickup tube has changed slightly over the years, with the new model looking to be a better setup. The showers are cooling Bravo 3's mated to 6.2's with superchargers and a stabilizer bar. Installation was easy and have been satisfied with their performance.

 

[rabyers1]

Put a Simrek on my BIII last year (boat is trailered). My drive fluid consumption fell off to almost nothing compared to what it was before adding the shower. My paint job on the upper gearcase seems to be holding its shine better than the last one previous to the drive shower installation as well. I think lower operating temperatures may be a contributing factor.

Plus, if you get the chance to ski or tube off the back of your own boat (rare) - the drive shower in action looks really cool!

 

[Nacho Boat]

Thanks to everyone! I ordered up a set of the Halo's for my BIII. I will let you know how the install goes. And later (in the summer), I will let you know if the outdrive fluid consumption decreases.

Thanks again!!!!

 

[Nacho Boat]

The install was very easy. I can be a little mechanically challenged, and this was one of the easiest I have ever done. Remove three bolts on the outdrive and on it goes....

The finished appearance is very clean.

I will update everyone later on the whether this made a difference on the fluid consumption.