Standard or steerable drives?

[Mightynova63]

I am taking on my first big (boat) build, I am building a sv-43 (59") with twin drives. So what are the pros and cons of Standard or steerable drives. Other then coat lol, and what brand would you MHZ, WD200 .....

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[Prodrvr]

On the MHZ scale drives, I think you're too limited on power. Thier site says max of 4000 watts, 35K rpm. But they are a better option cost-wise than the Arrow Shark outdrives at $688 each! I'd love to build a CRCM 59" MTI with two outdrives, but I'd want it to be rocket fast and I'm not sure if those drives would hold up. Please post up your build pics!

[Mightynova63]

I will be posting a build as soon as I get all of the parts together.

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[NativePaul]

Steerable drives are good for convenience with outboards, and good for low speed maneuvering and docking, but bad for drive efficiency.

Fixed props are good for drive efficiency, but need water flowing over the rudder to steer, so are hard to dock.

NB, I have no empirical data to prove that fixed props are more efficient, but the fact that all inshore and offshore raceboats (that are not restricted in drive system drive by the rules), all hydroplanes, all prop driven speed record setting boats throughout history, all cargo vessels, all cruise ships, and the vast majority of ferries and naval vessels, use a fixed drive system and a rudder to steer, speaks volumes to me. On the other hand, most leisure and pleasure boats have steerable drives of some form.

[Prodrvr]

Steerable drives are good for convenience with outboards, and good for low speed maneuvering and docking, but bad for drive efficiency.

Fixed props are good for drive efficiency, but need water flowing over the rudder to steer, so are hard to dock.

NB, I have no empirical data to prove that fixed props are more efficient, but the fact that all inshore and offshore raceboats (that are not restricted in drive system drive by the rules), all hydroplanes, all prop driven speed record setting boats throughout history, all cargo vessels, all cruise ships, and the vast majority of ferries and naval vessels, use a fixed drive system and a rudder to steer, speaks volumes to me. On the other hand, most leisure and pleasure boats have steerable drives of some form.

All offshore raceboats have steerable outdrives.

[NativePaul]

All those in classes restricted to outboards or stern drives do, and there are many gentleman racers that compete in poker runs with some very fast pleasure boats equipped with stern drives. But actual race boats built for unlimited classes, not so much.