V-Drives or I/Os?

[mantmc]

I'm in the market for a 340DA. I'm trying to determine which type of propulsion would be better for this model - V-Drives or I/Os. I would appreciate any feedback on this.

Thanks

 

[J.Wilt]

I love how smooth the V-Drives work, you will get a little more speed and better gas consumption with the IO's but in the long run they are more expensive to fix.
Good luck!

 

[Bateau Ivre]

Don't even consider I/Os. I had I/O with a 220, 270 and a 290. The yearly maintenance expenses were over the top. I'm in salt. Too many moving parts in the water including the issues with dissimilar metals. I purchased a 2005 340 with the Vs three years ago and other than cleaning the hull, shafts and replacing the zincs, I have had no maintenance fees external to the hull to deal with. I agree, based on manufacturer specifications, you will achieve better speeds with less fuel consumption but the cost at the end of the day the Vs will save you money.

 

[Stray Cat]

You'd really have to have a love affair with I/O's to want one in a 340DA. IMO, the 300DA was the stopping point for I/O's in a cruiser.

 

[Uplate]

You'd really have to have a love affair with I/O's to want one in a 340DA. IMO, the 300DA was the stopping point for I/O's in a cruiser.

Maybe the 300 is not the stopping point for I/O. I have a 310 with twin Alpha drives. Boat in fresh water and leave in slip always. Maintenaince issues are minimal. Pull and inspect every year, no big deal. I would not want the same setup in salt.

 

[Paulkarlsven]

After reading through this thread I am so happy that I did not go ahead with the 300DA with I/O's now. The new boat has V shaft drives, I doubt with gas prices going the way they are that I will ever travel WOT much at all so top end speed is not an issue for me.

 

[Stray Cat]

Maybe the 300 is not the stopping point for I/O. I have a 310 with twin Alpha drives. Boat in fresh water and leave in slip always. Maintenaince issues are minimal. Pull and inspect every year, no big deal. I would not want the same setup in salt.

Agree

 

[Bodkin Creek George]

V-Drives are the way to go. Dog legs just give you something else to maintain and worry about.
George

 

[Marcus E]

I was looking at a smaller DA, but decided to buy a 34 with V drive to avoid the maintenance problems with I/O's in brackish/salt water. Good advise on this thread