Which is easier to service: Direct Drive or V-Drive?

[IDBoating]

I have no previous experience with DD's or VD's but am seriously looking at both. I do all my own maintenance so ease of access is important.

I've briefly looked at a used 22i and a used 22v. My impression is that the 22i would be easier to service; remove the engine cover and basically everything is right there... the engine is sitting high enough that you can almost get underneath it. Remove the rear cover and the stuffing box, rudder linkage, etc. is right there.

In contrast, the 22v seemed like everything was scrunched up and buried down under/behind the seat. The top of the engine was easily reached, but if I had to reach the sides or (yikes) the bottom there was precious little access. The bilge was WAAAAY down there. And I presume the stuffing box, rudder, etc. were down under the engine somewhere, correct? Can you repack the stuffing box, replace the steering cable, etc. without removing the engine?

Thanks for any help with my learning and planning!

[kko]

DD WAYEasier to service!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes you can do all that without removing eng. but it is alot harder.

[dogbert]

I'm with kko on this one. Although, Tige does a good job of making the engine accessible. But, having the engine backwards does make most things a bit more of a PITA.

[AdaminMN]

For servicability DD is the way to go. I had to pull my engine out last year, got it pulled out and on the bench in under 45 minutes, try that with a V-Drive.

But remember, your buying the boat to use it, not fix it.

[dogbert]

Having said that DDs are definitely easier to service, I wouldn't trade my V-Drive for one...ever.

[AdaminMN]

My next boat will be a V-drive, no doubt about it. My kids are already lobbying my wife.

I'll be a contorsionist for a few hours a year if there's service to do. V-Drives are still easier to work on than a direct drive inboard sailboat engine.

[IDBoating]

Having said that DDs are definitely easier to service, I wouldn't trade my V-Drive for one...ever.

I read your response to my wife, and she asked "Why?"

Why are you so preferential to the V-drive? I can think of two reasons, seating and wake generation. One or both of those, or something else?

[Guma]

I can think of two reasons, seating and wake generation. One or both of those, or something else?

Both, IMO!

Although I have seen some sacked out DDs with a great surf wake on here. But I prefer all my ballast to be hidden away and not sitting out on the seats.

[jwanck11]

Sure, the DD is easier to work on. Really, it is a snap to get at anything and everything except the tiller arm. It can be done, but it is a reach. The gas tank is also stowed away in a nether region in the rear. All else is nicely accessible.


OK - off-topic:
As for sacking out and weighting down, one can easily plumb in a system (or store a system) in rear lockers of the 22i. I presume you opened the lockers and know what I am talking about.

I would really suggest getting into the boats and riding in them, not just looking at them. Even if you are on the fence about one you look at, still, get a ride in it and better yet, behind it.

Play with the TAPS and speeds - the versitility on the fly will be incredible and it will also help you understand the differences in the wakes.

[IDBoating]

I would really suggest getting into the boats and riding in them, not just looking at them. Even if you are on the fence about one you look at, still, get a ride in it and better yet, behind it.

I will most definitely do that - once I find one I would seriously consider buying. So far the ones I've examined have had enough "road rash" on them to eliminate them from consideration.

I could pester the dealer for test rides, but then they will pester me about why I'm not running right down there to buy new.

So I continue to scan Craigslist, and the local papers, for boats to look at. Some are Tiges, some are other brands. I guarantee I won't buy a boat without having driven it in the water!

[wetcowboy]

WABoating,, Not sure of your location but I have an 05 22i for sale in Helena MT. PM me if you would like more info.

[IDBoating]

WABoating,, Not sure of your location but I have an 05 22i for sale in Helena MT. PM me if you would like more info.

I'm in Spokane so we're not that far apart.

I tried to PM you but the site says you're not permitted to receive PM's. How shall we proceed?

[Shamus]

I read your response to my wife, and she asked "Why?"

Why are you so preferential to the V-drive? I can think of two reasons, seating and wake generation. One or both of those, or something else?

I gotta go with GUMA on this one. The only reason I bought my 21i was pricing. Almost a brand new boat for a great price, I love my 21i...but, I have one of those "saced out" D-drives. I have to pack about 2500 pounds to get the a wave that I could get much easier with a v-drive. My next boat will most certainly be a v-drive. Now that my wife surfs and hardly want to waterski any more its a general concensus in my family.

[wetcowboy]

WABoating..
Not sure how the PM system works..sorry. Here is my phone #406-266-4839 this is the best way to give you all of the info.

[Dave S]

Something I did not see mentioned, from my research when purchasing - V-Drives tend to hold their value better. Anyone else notice this?