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V-drive propulsion - advantages and drawbacks?

2K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  Faster 
#1 ·
What are your experiences with V-drives? Any benefits? Drawbacks?
 
#2 ·
A more compact engine room gives a better cabin area.
Checking oil level is easier.
Fairly good access to the stuffing box.
With my engine backwards the gasoline side is under the cockpit bench,
and the alternator is close to the engine instruments and panell. Perfect.
 
#4 ·
What boat is that?
I was looking at Pearson 323 and the v-drive configuration seemed fairly practical.
What kind of influence on boat sea motion does the v-drive have, with engine being further aft?
 
#3 ·
The major downside of most V drive installations is that the stuffing box/shaft log are usually tucked in tight under the oil pan and access is not very good. Also if it's leaking/spraying that can lead to some issues with the pan itself if it's not been protected.

Whether or not general engine access is improved or not with V drives depends on the individual boat, interior layout and access panels provided.
 
#5 ·
The major downside of most V drive installations is that the stuffing box/shaft log are usually tucked in tight under the oil pan and access is not very good. Also if it's leaking/spraying that can lead to some issues with the pan itself if it's not been protected.
Good point. Seems like v-drive is also a lot more complicated than a straight drive, thus potentially less reliable. Any thoughts on that?
 
#6 · (Edited)
The engine isn't always further aft... sometimes the prop and shaft are further forward as a result.. so it's a very individual -to-the-boat assessment of how the whole package works.

Having trouble seeing how a V drive makes stuffing box access easier....??

Reliability wise.. it's just another set of gears, dont' think that's a big factor either way..

Some V drive installs might accommodate removing the prop shaft forward into the cabin, avoiding having to remove the rudder in some cases.
 
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