Straight vs. V Drives

T

tcat

Member
Jun 7, 2009
35
massachusetts
Boat Info
2001 340 Sundancer 496 Horizons
Engines
496 Horizon/ V drives
I am in the fun process of purchasing a new toy. Wife and I are looking at a 1992 330EC with straight drives and a 1993 330SD with V drives. Both are similar $ and both show well. Both have big blocks. What if any are the strenghts and drawbacks from each drive system. I have not owned a boat with V-drives before. The engine room is really cramped with the v drive set up or is it just me? All replies appreciated Thanks Tcat
 
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tcat... re-read your post and give us more info please. What boats, water, etc. You list one boat, same size v vs straight? V more room inside cabin, straight more room in engine room and better performance.
 
Sounds like he is looking at an express vs. a sundancer. Aside from the nicer shower and extra berth in the sundancer which are good features if you need them, the straight drives have three solid advantages over vdrives. The engines are further forward giving better weight and balance to the hull. The express has great access for working in the bilge doing routine maintenance. And three, you do not have vdrives which deliver power by running it towards the bow and then back toward the stern. The end of the v can be a maintenance problem as it is more complex than just running the shaft straight back and through the hull bottom with a straight inboard.
 
I am a sraight drive guy. The V-drives cram everything up in the stern of the bilge and make maintenace a nightmare. I know some mechanics charge a labor premium for working on a V-Drive vs. straight drive.

I feel like you also get a better ride with the straight drive set up because the engines ar more near the center of the boat.:huh:
 
The maintence is easier with the straight drives for sure. But i've had 2 boats with V-drives and had no problem performing the work that has needed to be done.

I would not pick one over the other...look at condition and what cabin set up works best for you. dont let the drives make your decision. both can be worked on and maintanied fine
 
Everybody is right about the ride and access. Also docking with straight drives is much easier with better response. I may be wrong but I think your looking at a 1992 31 or 35 express and a 1993 33 or 37 sundanceer. I don't think SeaRay had a 340 in 1992 or 1993.
 
Two different layouts, two different boats. But if you really don't have a preference, and if all other things- including engine maintenance and hours- are about the same, I'd go with straight drives every time.

There are no "pros" to V-drives over straight . If you don't care about the midcabin, I'd stay on the straight and narrow.
 
Every boat is different.............while some of you may feel V-drives are tight, that generalization is just not true all the time. Many v-drives have excellent engine space access. The major difference, aside from the interior layout is that the COG is further forward in straight inboards giving them better handling, but even that doesn't make V-drives handle or ride badly.

Don't forget, on many straight inboards, the main bulkhead is forward of the cabin entry, thereby putting the living area over the engine spaces. In order to reduce the odor of the mechanicals.....i.e. gasoline, diesel, crankcase fumes, transmission case vent fumes to a female's tolerance lever, you will probably have to work extra hard to keep the bilge clean.

The questioin cited is a rare one since seldom can you sea trial both an EC and a DA of the same model as he can here. SO forget forum answers.........go look at both and run them both, then buy the one that suits your needs and boating habits the best.
 
fwebster said:
Every boat is different.............while some of you may feel V-drives are tight, that generalization is just not true all the time. Many v-drives have excellent engine space access.
Click to expand...

Have you ever repacked the packing glands of a 33 foot SR with vdrives? Quite different from the EC. Just tightening the packing nuts is a chore on the vdrive.
 
Just completed 1450 miles from New Bern, NC to New Smryna Beach, FL, and for my money can't get much smoother or more carefree than the V-drives. I like that fact that when you bend a prop or shaft (and you will) the engine and V-drive come out as one unit and can be bench tested as one unit. I bought the V-drive because I'm in brackish water and didn't want the hassle of outdrives, but I've grown to love them for the smoothness. IMHO...
 
swb1......read the quote. That is why I said:".......that generalization is just not true ALL the time. MANY v-drives have excellent engine space access.
 
fwebster said:
swb1......read the quote. That is why I said:".......that generalization is just not true ALL the time. MANY v-drives have excellent engine space access.
Click to expand...

Frank...in your opinion, is there any more inherent frictional loss due to the directional change in a V-Drive? I have often wondered.
 
What I have noticed a lot on some of my friends boats with the mid cabin and v-drives is the mid cabin ends up as the lazzurete full of stuff since there is very little room or at least very alkward space in the bilge. Basically you lose your garage and all your junk is exposed in your carport.
 
John,

I don't think so because even a straight transmission's input shaft drives gears on the output side thru the clutch pack, just like a V-drive...........the output is just in the opposite direction on a v-drive.
 
I have straight drives now, V-drives on the last boat.

I didn't find it difficult to adjust the packing gland on the V-Drive (although the mechanic had a few choice words about it):lol:.

There is quite a difference in the attitude of the boat, especially when you have a small crowd near the stearn. It really helps to keep the bow down when the drive train weight is further forward. I can also "putt" off plane at a faster pace without the bow rise associated with V-Drives.

An aft cabin can be nice to have for space, but I like the idea of a "condo built for two" vs. how many people can we actually fit into our boat overnight!:smt101 Friends can cruise with us... just book the Bed and Breakfast room first!

Really, it comes down to personal preference.:grin:
 
fwebster said:
swb1......read the quote. That is why I said:".......that generalization is just not true ALL the time. MANY v-drives have excellent engine space access.
Click to expand...

He wasn't asking for a generalization. This thread is about 33 foot boats.
 
Thank you all so much for taking the time to pass on your experience with the 2 different drive trains with me. Most of my time will be spent in an around Buzzards Bay which tends to get very excited in the summer afternoons. If straight drives tend to give a more stable ride I think that is the way to go. Thank you all again. Steve
 
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