VEE DRIVE TRANSMISSIONS

[nabeelah]

Are there any differences in life expectancy of vee to straight gear boxes? Any other info regarding vee drives in general?

[Capt.Troy Crane]

Are there any differences in life expectancy of vee to straight gear boxes? Any other info regarding vee drives in general?

Avoid them at all cost if possible ! You will not be happy in a gas or diesel rig. Straight or down angle is the only way to go unless you want an IPS.

[nabeelah]

Thanks Cart Troy,
Is that advise for fast go boats or for slow displacement speeds also? I dont have any choice as the cat design will accept vee only due to the very high engine blocks.

[Fortunate One]

I agree with the Capt. Simple gear transmissions and props are proven. Once you set your boat up for any other method of propulsion, your going to have to live with the choice.

There is no mystery to gears and shafts.

I'm on the fence with the IPS for a pleasure craft application.

I'd like to see how they fair in the field for a few more years.

I'm still not convinced that they won't become problematic over time especially running high revving high torque and HP through them.

Not all builders are converting over to IPS yet and there must reasons for that.

[Capt.Troy Crane]

I have not seen any in operation in quite long time, the ones I knew of were a source of constant trouble, most were in gas applications for planning hulls, 18 knots or more.
It is such a poor design in my opinion with a lot of stress on it due to the nature of design.
They work though and if that's all you can use I guess there is no choice.

Good luck,
Troy

[nabeelah]

Anyone else with any experience with the vee drives?