"L" Drives

[TheWoodCrafter]

In another post you guys said stay away form "L" drive boats.

I am a new boater.
What is an "L" drive?
Looks like they come out of the bottom of the boat vers out the back.
Why should you avoid them?
Just a bad design, no parts...?

Thanks.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: "L" Drives

An L-drive was a Force product from the late 80's early 90's. It used a 2 stroke powerhead with a rather weird lower unit that seemed to be part i/o, part outboard and part new design. It was made for a very brief period of time so parts are hard to find and come by. It was not a proven design (apparently) so it is prone to problems.
Given all of these factors you are getting yourself in 'deep' if you take one on. If it bags it you will be wrestling with it from all angles (parts, etc).
There are a few guys in the forum that have them and are using them to some success but you should prepare yourself for the worst if you try it on for size.
Stick with an outboard or a proven inboard/outboard (Volvo/Mercruiser).
Good Luck
BP