Eye Hunter
New Member
looking to buy a 33 foot sundancer what drives are better?
Thanks
Thanks
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As in most things in life, there is no "better". Each drive system has advantages and disadvantages. As Rod said, the V-drives are far superior in terms of salt water corrosion resistance and low speed handling. They also tend to be quieter and smoother at cruise speed. And, the maintenance costs are much lower.
The sterndrives offer superior fuel economy, and also a tighter turning radius at speed. If you do a lot of shallow water boating, they also offer the ability to tilt up, reducing draft. But, you'll pay for these advantages in other ways - such as increased maintenance and yearly service costs.
One more aspect that I find very important is weight balance. Sterndive boats have the engines mounted right at the transom, with the drives themselves outside the boat. Inboard boats have the engines and transmissions much farther forward, and this helps center the weight within the boat. By moving the center of gravity, and more importantly, the longitudinal center of rotation, forward, the propensity to "porpoise" is reduced, so you get a more comfortable ride when the weather turns nasty.
So, there you have it - a long winded answer that doesn't answer the question. Neither is better, and both are better. It depends on what you designate as most important.
Dale
One final aspect, much more room in the bilge with I/O.
That's not saying Much!!! Your talking about more room forward of the engines. I'm 6'2" and 235lbs, with the Gene in there I feel like 15lbs of Sh!t in a 5lb bag when I go in the Engine Compartment!!One final aspect, much more room in the bilge with I/O.
As in most things in life, there is no "better". Each drive system has advantages and disadvantages. As Rod said, the V-drives are far superior in terms of salt water corrosion resistance and low speed handling. They also tend to be quieter and smoother at cruise speed. And, the maintenance costs are much lower.
The sterndrives offer superior fuel economy, and also a tighter turning radius at speed. If you do a lot of shallow water boating, they also offer the ability to tilt up, reducing draft. But, you'll pay for these advantages in other ways - such as increased maintenance and yearly service costs.
One more aspect that I find very important is weight balance. Sterndive boats have the engines mounted right at the transom, with the drives themselves outside the boat. Inboard boats have the engines and transmissions much farther forward, and this helps center the weight within the boat. By moving the center of gravity, and more importantly, the longitudinal center of rotation, forward, the propensity to "porpoise" is reduced, so you get a more comfortable ride when the weather turns nasty.
So, there you have it - a long winded answer that doesn't answer the question. Neither is better, and both are better. It depends on what you designate as most important.
Dale
That's not saying Much!!! Your talking about more room forward of the engines. I'm 6'2" and 235lbs, with the Gene in there I feel like 15lbs of Sh!t in a 5lb bag when I go in the Engine Compartment!!