Re: Inboard vs V-Drive
A V-Drive is basically a standard inboard. The prop shaft and rudder hang below the boat and exit the hull, in the middle, just as does a standard inboard. The only difference is that the v-drive allows the engine to be mounted in the stearn of the boat as opposed to the middle. This is accomplished by utilizing a v-drive transmission. Essentially, the engine is placed backwards (crank flywheel facing the bow) of the boat. Power is then routed through the transmission, into a set of gears and is turned around applying the power rearward.<br /><br />An I/O also has the engine in the rear of the boat. However the crank. flywheel faces the stearn. The power is routed backwards and then down through A 90 degree angle to the outdrive. The outdrive resembles the lower unit of an outboard.<br /><br />Advantages: The v-drive is simpler. There are no u joints, trim/tilt pumps and lower unit gearcase.<br /><br />The I/O allows lifting of the outdrive for purposes of changing trim angle and clearing underwater obstacles. <br /><br />The v-drive running gear is fixed.
