Inboard drive set-ups

[magster65]

In a 26' Tollycraft, which is better, straight shaft or v-drive? I (and others) was of the understanding that a straight shaft was better due to it's simplicity. Also, the engine placement is further from the transom and the weight off the stern to assist planing. Now I hear that the increased shaft angle of the straight drive is poor at speeds over 12-14 mph because the prop. is pointing downward. This makes sense too. In a Tolly the straight shaft was used first and then they later switched to v-drive. Does anyone know more about this or know of a website that addresses this?

 

[DJ]

Re: Inboard drive set-ups

magster,<br /><br />Straight vs. V-Drive is really more a matter of space and packaging than anything else.<br /><br />You still have an angled down prop. shaft on a v-drive. V-drives are just simply more compact, they're really not that much more complicated, nothing like an I/O. V-Drives have become very popular in wakeboard boats because of the weight concentration to the stern.<br /><br />My freinds 36' Sea Ray Sundancer has twin V-drives and it opens up the cabin a grat deal compared to a similar sized boat with straight inboards.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Inboard drive set-ups

V drives are OK, as long as you don't have to pack those shafts. The Walters V drive is more dependable than either the Mercruiser or Paragon, or at least I see very few of them in for repairs compared to the others. Alignment of the V drives can be a bear compared to straight drive models. I guess my only problem with V drives is the purpose of them is to be able to pack alot in tight areas. When that happens, things get hard to reach. As for shaft angle, its the same for either set up unless the hull has pocket drives.

 

[magster65]

Re: Inboard drive set-ups

I drove around last night and compared a couple different ones. It appears the prop on the v-drive exits the hull a lot further forward... a good 12"-16". It doesn't look like there's very much difference in the shaft angle though. So why would Tollycraft switch from the straight shaft then? They did address the various design problems over the years, but nothing else. Thier motto was, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I tried the Tolly website forum... it's not like this one, it's more like a fairy tale as opposed to a operating manual. Any other thoughts? Thanks