V-Drive or Direct Drive

[bsh21wash]

Whats the difference? Besides the obvious where the motor sits.

Which is better?

 

[KCook]

Re: V-Drive or Direct Drive

For ski boats or for cruisers? Very different applications, but both drive types can be found on both of those types of boats.

Kelly Cook

 

[QC]

Re: V-Drive or Direct Drive

Yeah, assuming you are talking about family or competition ski or wake-board boats I'd say that a V-drive allows you to dig a bigger hole for wake-boarding and probably rides smoother especially in the stern. Also, many of the V-drive boats are coming with steeper deadrise in the hull for a smoother ride and bigger wake too. Most direct drives are best for skiing as they were originally intended for flattening a wake, not making one, so their bottoms a very flat. What's funny to me is how these companies managed to sell the same boat for a flat wake and a big one. Talk about marketing BS . . .

 

[KCook]

Re: V-Drive or Direct Drive

Well that .... or water ballast

 

[bucky7680]

Re: V-Drive or Direct Drive

V-Drive has more room, motor in the stearn. Direct has motor in the middle of the boat less room to move about. The new wake boarding models also have a device similar to a giant trim tab that can be lowered down to make a bigger wake. My buddy's Moomba has water tanks throughout the boat to add more weight to the boat. It makes a killer wake. Great boat on smooth water but even light chop rattles your teeth.

 

[bsh21wash]

Re: V-Drive or Direct Drive

I see. Yes I was talking about a Mastercraft wakeboarding boat. Thanks.

 

[KCook]

Re: V-Drive or Direct Drive

For wakeboarding, I would say V-drive is a slamdunk. The DD inboards are pretty much just for tournament skiing, not wakeboarding. Your Mastercraft dealer should be able to explain these differences.

Kelly

 

[QC]

Re: V-Drive or Direct Drive

or water ballast

I always think about these poor guys at Mastercraft etc. They've been building boats to make the smallest wake ever and then voila, "we needum big wake" . . . "now whadda we do?" "I know we can pump 'em full a water." "Sounds good, get on that." "Or, I know, we could admit that there are better boats for this." "nah, that water thing sounds good, We'll call it a Phat Sack and let's move the engine back or sumpin', that'll shut 'em up."

 

[salty87]

Re: V-Drive or Direct Drive

there's always give and take.

v-drive...you lose lots of leg room in the back, i don't like rubbing knees/legs with the next guy riding. you also have much harder maintenance if you do your own. handling is also different in that there's alot more weight in the back than with a direct drive. the difference will be noticeable.

d-drive...you get a nice seat or footrest from the engine cover. works good as a lunch table too. my dogs love to sit there. you get more leg room. maintenance is easier.

the flatter wakes really come more from increased speed than simply where the engine is. slalom skiers are going closer to 35 mph while wakeboarders are closer to 22mph.

 

[KCook]

Re: V-Drive or Direct Drive

I've noticed on a lot of DD models that the back rest of the rear bench seat is extremely low. Whereas the V-drives can have deeper cockpits, with taller seating.

old back Kelly