AquaDrive: thoughts, compliments and criticisms

[Valiente]

I am considering switching from a standard "fixed" shaft to transmission coupler to an AquaDrive universal joint system. This will involve new, softer motor mounts plus the welding in of a thrust bearing. Partly this is to lose all problems of alignment in the drive train, to reduce vibration and noise, to reduce wear in the transmission when the engine is running on an angle or in rough seas, and to isolate the new Variprop's "feathering clunk" from the transmission, which has the potential to wear the cones when going from forward to reverse.

Here's the Aquadrive site: http://www.aquadrive.com/start.html

I'd like to hear any thoughts on this, yes or no. I have to balance out what I see as the desirable aspects of this versus the increase in mechanical complexity and failure points. A friend just called me with a horror story of a fire being started by one of these units, but I have no information on how it was installed (perhaps on the Great Lakes, indifferently). I picked this product because it is used commercially on fishing boats, etc., as well as motorboats, so I have to think the advantages and reliability outweigh the potential for failure.

Thanks.

[redcorvette1995]

I considered putting this in my boat, but didn't have the room.
I have played with it though and I like it.
It is just like a CV joint on a car.

The big thing is that you need the room between the engine and the shaft to put it in. Why do you want to go with softer engine mounts? Less vibration I am guessing?

One thing to keep in mind if you are cruising and it fails you are screwed. If I had one installed and I was cruising I would have a spare on board.

Also you want to prevent it from getting wet and rusting (shaft leaks/drips are bad)

I think it's a good product that can make for smooth running.

Cheers,

Todd

[Valiente]

The big thing is that you need the room between the engine and the shaft to put it in.

I have plenty of room between the shaft log and the coupling. Benefits of a full-keeler.

Why do you want to go with softer engine mounts? Less vibration I am guessing?

Yes. It's a steel boat. Softer mounts will reduce noise to the hull and the CV joint makes the greater play in the alignment irrelevant.

One thing to keep in mind if you are cruising and it fails you are screwed. If I had one installed and I was cruising I would have a spare on board.

I don't know how that would work as I would have to haul to remove the rudder to pull the shaft to replace the coupling anyway...

Also you want to prevent it from getting wet and rusting (shaft leaks/drips are bad)

PSS, probably.