May need sterndrive for a 400HP CAt 3406

[AlaskaFisherman]

I may want to go with an Inboard/OutBoard stern drive using a Jack shaft from a CAt diesel 400Hp. I will want as close to trouble free/long lasting as possible. Any history out there? It will be pushing a 46ft plaining hull.

[Steve H]

I would contact Konrad. They build a very hefty I/O that may work. Go to Offshoreonly.com and do a search. If any one can break a drive the guys on that site can.

Steve H

[AlaskaFisherman]

I have requested info from the sites you mentioned. Go to www.volvopenta.com - they have this new system that is out of this world. Their design is right down my way of thinking. Cann't say I will install them but I will be looking at them for my old engines. 500 hrs per year may do it.
Winston

[Steve H]

Winston:

Are you commercial fisherman? I guided out of Yes Bay Lodge back in the 70's. It is located on the Behm Canal (sp?) N.E. of Ketchikan. I was a teenager at the time. Some of the best times of my life. Lots of long hours and hard work. But it was a true adventure for a city kid with a bad attitude. The owner at that time was a former Navy pilot. He ran that place like a ship. He should have fired me a couple of times, but he gave me more than one mulligan. He showed me what real work was, and I have benefited from those summers ever since.
I hope to run my boat up the inside passage this summer and do some fishing in my old stomping grounds. As long as the usual circumstances don't align themselves and kill the trip.
Have you ever done the inside passage? If so lets hear about it.

Steve H

[AlaskaFisherman]

I have not been down there yet. Hope to once I retire from the job that pays for the commerical fishing, that would be oil field. I have been from Cordovia to Kenai round trip once. Fished the Sound in 1994 then bought in Cook Inlet since I live in Kenai.

[marshmat]

Volvo IPS is an interesting system, but from what I've heard it's not always the easiest to integrate into an existing design. Konrad's drive has a good reputation as a beefy, long-lived workhorse.

[SOB]

What about an Arneson?

[Steve H]

Arneson would be good if you have the room behind your boat. they are definetly rugged enough for commercial use.

[FAST FRED]

check out www.speedymarine.com for commercial style gear.

Volvo is childs toy for 100 hours a year , not for a working vessel.

FAST FRED

[AlaskaFisherman]

Thanks to All for the info. I like Volvo IPS for the efficient way it would go through the water, but can not talk my self it to going with it because I bump the rocky bottom of the Kenai River once a year. With our 20 + feet tides and different times allowed to fish you just get caught short once-in-a while. I will have to go with something that can be raised out of the way are something strong enough to take a little hit.
I can modify to any design - see my project under Metal Boat Building - I am the 32'X10.5' goning 44'x16'.
Winston

[AlaskaFisherman]

Volvo's responce was they have to sell the enginee with the drive as a package. I had already ruled them out because I have to go dry once in a while. And also, I bump the bottom once a year getting out the Kenai River. The IPS does not raise up.

[Deering]

Given any thought to a jet drive? Personally I don't like their (in)efficiency, but if you're bouncing off the bottom... also less worries about nets and lines in the prop. From the number of commercial charter boats and ferries running them around here I have to think they're pretty reliable.

[Tad]

Winston,

The major problem with outdrives is they limit prop. diameter, you have a big heavy boat that would really benefit from a large dia, propeller. The Konrads break down in commercial use, something you can't afford. A pair were tried here and were almost immediately replaced with Arnesons.

Through-the-transom "surface" drive would be the way to go, not necessarily Arneson. There is a long thread someplace in this forum on surface drives. Bluewater makes a big one, Pulse drive is another manufacturer, Simplicity, Tri-Max, and Levi are also suppliers. But you are fairly handy, you can build your own, have a look at the Levi, they do work and are real simple. There are pictures of them in the gallery and see the drive sources in the Directory.


Tad

[AlaskaFisherman]

Derring;
i too don't like jet efficiency.
Tad;
Konrads spec show they cann't do it. I just started looking at the Arnesons. I figure they are expensive.
Winston

[AlaskaFisherman]

Tad, thanks for the info on the other systems. I like the ideal of building my own. I'll look over Levi and the others. I do need to cut the cost when possible - fishing does not pay for much and the oil field job - well the wife is past tired.
Thanks again.