Re: Just bought a new 87 Malibu Skiier direct drive ski boat and have a few general ?
pros:
- maintenance and repairs are much easier with no outdrive to service or gears to worry about
- prop is under the hull and not a danger to swimmers
- better weight distribution since the engine is in the center
- great performance for skiing, tubing, towing in general
cons:
- since the prop can't be lifted up, shallow water is a danger and if you hit something you may damage more than the prop. I just replaced a bent shaft in my inboard from something the previous owner hit.
- larger engines equal more fuel consumption even compared to an equivalent size I/O. Ski boats tend to ride with more of the hull in the water because the engine is in the middle. This is better for stability when towing skiers..but
- The ski boats tend to beat you up a bit in rough water.....but that is more a function of the hull not the drive. My Coronado is a heavy boat and rides very nicely in rough water, but it won't turn on a dime like your ski boat will.
- Typically slower than comparable I/O, again due to the hull type/weight distribution, but you should be able to get into the mid/upper 40 mph range...there are exceptions...but as a rule they're slower.
- they handle like crap at slow speed. Docking can be a challenge in a cross wind.
- In reverse the stern will go in the direction of propeller rotation no matter where you try to steer it.
