Forward drive stern surf

[hurricane sean 6]

Watch out enzos there coming for you.

 

http://blog.boattrader.com/

[hurricane sean 6]

http://blog.boattrader.com/2015/02/new-volvo-penta-forward-drive-game-changer.html

[Shaka 146]

Saw the Chaparral with a Forward Drive. Those things are getting closer.

[DrNate 426]

I've seen that before and it's very intriquing. Only problem that was brought up is that if you hit something you'll have much more damage than just a prop replacement or shaft realignment.

[chenige 84]

That would be true for any stern drive.

[Stretch 409]

I just don't see the point really. I mean easier to drive I guess, but one or to trips out to an empty spot and some calm focused practice and you can put a v drive wherever you want to without much trouble. Seems like a lot of money for a more complicated devise.

 

Nothing wrong with tech advances though, we need them all the time

Edited September 1, 2015 by Stretch

[Cdifranco 463]

I wonder if they will make a point to try to offer the "retrofit" options so eventually any joe schmo can wake surf behind their bow riders.

[DrNate 426]

That would be true for any stern drive.

 

I tend to disagree. Hitting something with the front of a stern drive that might deflect it somewhat could be vastly different than hitting something prop first. Not to mention that in this case the props are actually pulling water (and water comes with it) INTO itself.

[Shaka 146]

I just don't see the point really. I mean easier to drive I guess, but one or to trips out to an empty spot and some calm focused practice and you can put a v drive wherever you want to without much trouble. Seems like a lot of money for a more complicated devise.

 

Nothing wrong with tech advances though, we need them all the time

Stern drives have some advantages over inboard boats. Bringing the ability to surf to this class of boat is pretty cool.

[hurricane sean 6]

When I had a stern drive I would ding the prop and have to have it fixed at least once a year. The trailer loading was definitely easier.

I haven't hit the v drive prop in 6 years

Edited September 3, 2015 by hurricane sean

[Shaka 146]

Chaparral has now licensed the Surf Gate from Malibu. They have also introduced a new hull for teh forward drive equipped boats. From what I've read they aren't using huge amounts of stock ballast. I wonder what would happen if you throw bags in the lockers.

 

Looks like the runabout industry is getting serious about trying to attract the surf market.