Really old sterndrives

[JasonB]

over the years of reading, I've run across a couple stern drives that apparently had a short production span. Eaton and Dana. For curiosity sake, were these just bad designs, or could they just not get get any market traction agains the Mercs, OMC's and Volvos? Any others of note?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Really old sterndrives

no market, no distribution plan and at the time they were to expensive to compete.<br /> same as the chysler the PCM and the BMW dives and 2 or 3 more that I have forgotten.<br /> back in the late 50's 60's and 70's there were maybe 20-25 engine marinizers that did about any engine you care to think about. most have failed or been bought out and realigned so now its mostly volvo,merc,marine power and PCM.

 

[tommays]

Re: Really old sterndrives

My bud had the eaton in a 16' DONZI pretty good BUT the clutch dog did not lock into gear <br /><br />which made for easy shifting but short DOG life <br /><br />tommays

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Really old sterndrives

Dana was and still is a good drive if you can find the parts. One that really didn't get off running was the Commander Marine drive that was unveiled at the Miami Boat Show back in 89. Drive was the ugliest drive ever built but had a 190 degree turning radius. Test drove one and you could spin the boat in its own length. The company went under shortly after that. Folks might remember Commander as the ones that came standard with SS manifolds.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Really old sterndrives

I always thought PCM made straight IB's. did they try their hands at sterndrives?<br /><br />Also, I left L drives off the list, but does anyone know where to find a pic of one? I'm not sure I've ever seen one...