V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

[Red57Bird]

I'm interested in getting some opinions from you all in my personal debate between v-drive and DD boats. First, some background. I need to keep the price between $25-30K so I'm looking at 2001-2004 models, since these seem to be the years that fit best in this price range. We wakeboard 80% of the time, tube 10%, and the wife skis 10% of the time (no slalom, just regular skiing). I know that V-Drive boats provide the best wake, but there are other issues that will factor in to which type of boat we get. Specifically, ease of service and handling.

I've been leaning towards a DD because it seems to be simpler (no v-drive to service/worry about), easier to work on and get access to, and they seem to handle much better on the water. Keeping in mind that I would like to do as much of the service as possible on this boat, what I'd like to know is the following:

* Is there a noticeable difference in how these boats handle?
* How hard is it to get to the motor and v-drive unit?
* Are the side panels in v-drive boats removable so that there is more room for service?
* In general, are the v-drive units problematic? I've read on this forum that there have been leaking issues and fixing these can be a pain in the rear, as well as the wallet.

Sorry for the long post and I appreciate any advice you members are willing to provide. I made the mistake 4 years ago of buying an I/O (flame away, but at least I'm admitting my mistake :razz: ), so I want to make sure that I make a better decision this time. Thanks again.

[RLS]

RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

This year I went from a 98 Malibu Sunseter DD 21 feet to a SV211. The storage on the V-drive is much better. Handling is close. The DD may have been slightly better but not enough to make a difference. The ski wake on the direct drive was better but still OK on the V-drive. The ski wake is better than some of the direct drives I have skied behind. Wakeboard wake is much better and the ballast is much better. We surf and that is much easier on the V-drive. Service looks like it will be a pain.

So far I am glad I made the switch.

[SkiTower]

RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

There is only one reason for a DD: a good ski wake. Otherwise, the V-drive is a more versatile boat. If you don't appreciate a non-existent ski wake, you will probably get tired of working around the engine and reduced use of the rear seat when the pole is being used. Yes, the side panels do come out but I'd still say a DD is a little easier to work on (but I still let the dealership handle most of the work). A V-drive tends to handle rough water a little better. A DD sits lower to the water and will have a tendency to get a wave over the bow from time to time. If your wife isn't a serious skier, the 211 should do her fine (especially if she's used to an I/O). Resale will probably be better, too. Everybody wants a Wakeboard boat now.

[rocco]

RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

Well..I would say to each his/her on...I guess Im old school..I have not be in any New V-Drive CCs
But have MCs V-Drive,,,And have driven it with and with-out the Ballast full...Did'nt drive like the DD
Did,,,,Hard to handle in turning....With Ballast Full..did'nt think I could even make a turn..Very hard
to stear...Plus you have to stand up to see over the windshield...I throught I was driving an I/O again.
And the take-off on the V-drive did'nt get on Plane as quick...And Hard to work on,if you do alot on your on..
I just think that the V-drive,is like the I/O look...........

[SkiTower]

RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

I would agree that the DD is a much prettier boat

[BHog]

RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

If you wakeboard 80% of the time you will want the V drive. If you get the dd you will be looking at vdrives in a year or two. THe panels do come out and its not too bad to do the minor services. I have a 99 super air and did have an issue with the v drive leaking because of a gasket. I got it fixed and was only out 350-400 bucks.

[DanielC]

RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

You should try to spend a day, or an afternoon with each boat, doing what you normally do. You ride, the wife skis, normal use for you. Offer to pay for gas, and dinner if you have a friend who has a boat like what you want to get.
The DD will be easier to service. The panels in a V-drive are removeable. If the V-drive has built in tanks, that will make it harder to get easy access to parts of the motor near the transom.
The V-drive is really not that problematic. The rare cases of oil leaks are usually solved by tightening the bolts on the bottom of the V-drive unit, sometimes a gasket replacement is necessary.
The direct drive will handle better. Especially a closed bow DD.
Spend as much time with each type of boat as you can, before you buy. That way you can make an informed decision on what suites you best.

[dmiracle]

RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

I'm an old school purist........DD represents the true roots of the Nautique. IMO, you cannot beat the look of the traditional, closed nose Ski Nautique.

I'd compare it this way...........

Porsche Carrera vs. Cayenne, Boxster, etc....

[Red57Bird]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. I'm fortunate to have a couple of neighbors that have both DD and V-Drive boats. Both are 2007 models, one being a 216 and the other a 211. This past summer, I had the opportunity to spend the morning on the 216, and the afternoon on the 211. I did notice that the 216 handled a bit better, but it's not like the 211 handled like a tank. And it sounds like the side panels come out of the v-drive boats so service shouldn't be that much harder compared to a DD.

One point that I forgot about was the fact that when you tow from the pylon on the DD boat, you lose all of the rear seating. That, I'm not crazy about. After doing my research on inboard boats I was firmly leaning towards DD, but now I think I'm leaning the other way. With that said, I have some other questions about the different v-drive boats available from 2001-2004.

What is the difference between the Super Sport and Super Airs in 01 and 02? And what is the difference in the Super Sport 210 and the Air Nautique 210 in 2003? I glanced at the on-line brochures over on CorrectCraftFan.com and I couldn't tell. Thanks for any info you can provide - it is nice to be able to come to The Planet and get "edumacated" :grin:

[BHog]

The only difference in the super sport and super air is the Air will have ballast tower and maybe perfect pass in 02 and up. The super sport can still have tower but dosent have factory ballast. I may be a little off but thats the main differences. However they have the same hull

[chris196]

When you say your wife skis, but not slalom, what exactly does that mean. Does she ski on 2 skis or she does slalom, but doesn't run the course?
Sounds like skiing is not primary. I would think the 211 would be the right boat for you. Not sure how easy they are to find in your price range, though.

[TRDon]

Re: RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

I'm an old school purist........DD represents the true roots of the Nautique. IMO, you cannot beat the look of the traditional, closed nose Ski Nautique.

I'd compare it this way...........

Porsche Carrera vs. Cayenne, Boxster, etc....

That may be a little closed minded for his situation. For someone who does mostly wakeboarding and a wife that doesnt hit a course with a single ski, a closed bow DD seems to be an uber illogical choice. He does what I do, and I got out of my closed bow DD for that very reason. I would be happier with a vdrive too, but I went with a 93 sport to keep costs lower for now.

[bchesley]

Re: RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

Well..I would say to each his/her on...I guess Im old school..I have not be in any New V-Drive CCs
But have MCs V-Drive,,,And have driven it with and with-out the Ballast full...Did'nt drive like the DD
Did,,,,Hard to handle in turning....With Ballast Full..did'nt think I could even make a turn..Very hard
to stear...Plus you have to stand up to see over the windshield...I throught I was driving an I/O again.
And the take-off on the V-drive did'nt get on Plane as quick...And Hard to work on,if you do alot on your on..
I just think that the V-drive,is like the I/O look...........

That was the problem you were in a MC. The newer MC Vdrives I have heard from people who ride them wont steer when loaded. I rode last summer behind a 99 super air and a 06 220 and neither of them had a problem turning loaded or unloaded. We would at times have 3500lbs of ballast in the 220.

[rocco]

RE: Re: RE: V-Drive vs. Direct Drive

MC,,yea your ,,right bchesley..I guess if you want lots of room for people and your not running a course.
if you are a wakeboarder,,then you want that wake from the V-drive,,,,I guess Im old school..I like the dd and the motor in the middle...To me thats a Ski Boat,,,,,,But I guess time changes everything????

[Red57Bird]

When you say your wife skis, but not slalom, what exactly does that mean. Does she ski on 2 skis or she does slalom, but doesn't run the course?
Sounds like skiing is not primary. I would think the 211 would be the right boat for you. Not sure how easy they are to find in your price range, though.

Good point - when I mean she skis, she skis on 2 skis a couple of times a weekend. Also, not on a course. She just likes to get out and have a little fun on the water. She can wake board but it is awkward for her and she hasn't gotten to the point where she enjoys it as much as my 13-year old son and I.

I do have several friends on the lake that are mostly ski, but let's face it. I'm not buying a boat for them :o . But since the wife is footing half the bill on this, I definitely have to take into account what she likes to do as well. My guess is that coming from an I/O to a v-drive won't present a big issue with her.

Miracle - I hear you on the DD being the boat for skiing. But a closed bow SN really isn't the boat that fits my needs. While a 211 sounds like the boat that would work the best, I doubt I'll find one in my price range.

Thanks again for the great advice - I do appreciate. Keep the ideas coming.