CDMA
09-04-2001, 09:43 AM
Alright guys the testing goes on. I spent all weekend running around in various sea/ load conditions. As some of you know I am really picky about how my boat handles. Most people just want to go fast and while I like that too I want vice free handling with no suprises. As most of you know I went from a left hand volvo last year to a right hand alpha this year. While the alpha is far superior with regards to power steering and trim the rh prop and lh steering thing really bothers me. When I drive my boat in a reasonable manner it is fine. But I rigged my boat to run ( bigger transom, stringers, fiberglass reinforcement etc) and the times when it is a little snooty out and I am alone and the boat starts to get a little airborne I quickly miss my lh prop. So I have outlined a list of possible things I am considering. Your feedback as always is appreciated.
1.) Leave it alone. Enjoy, run, be a little conservative. Concentrate on school.
2.) Add tabs and a round ear prop to carry the bow a little better. I know this is the set up Scott has and he claims is great I just still worry about not getting the handling I am looking for. I have issues with possibly " masking" the problem as opposed to fixing it. The fact Scott has the highest standards says a lot for this option.
3.) Get a lh alpha drive. According to my " drive guys" the lh alpha is not even as strong as the rh version. It has 5 or so more bearings and moving parts. They very much tried to push me away from it however this is just the opinion of 2 people. It really would be easy. $800 for a rebuilt lower and call it a day. This option while attractive does not instill confidence. I already do cross my fingers everytime I go out.
4.) Switch my perfectly painted, restored barrelback, original ( basically) looking boat to rh steering...I dunno if I could do it.
5.) Bite the bullet scrape and claw for $$$ to get to a Bravo. This is really where I think I am going to eventaully going so why not just go there how... I guess it just is the $$$. School budget is really tight. But if this is what will be the best maybe I just have to find a way to get there.
A couple questions regarding a bravo 18...
Is the extra weight really a detriment?
Will the increased lower unit size really slow my down or hurt handling?
And finally does anyone have a rh steering 18 alpha, or a 18 bravo they would be willing to let me ride in or possibly drive? I would be willing to drive quiet a distance with my 18 in tow to get a side by side comparision.
Well I guess that is it for now.
Thanks again everyone.
Chris
1.) Leave it alone. Enjoy, run, be a little conservative. Concentrate on school.
2.) Add tabs and a round ear prop to carry the bow a little better. I know this is the set up Scott has and he claims is great I just still worry about not getting the handling I am looking for. I have issues with possibly " masking" the problem as opposed to fixing it. The fact Scott has the highest standards says a lot for this option.
3.) Get a lh alpha drive. According to my " drive guys" the lh alpha is not even as strong as the rh version. It has 5 or so more bearings and moving parts. They very much tried to push me away from it however this is just the opinion of 2 people. It really would be easy. $800 for a rebuilt lower and call it a day. This option while attractive does not instill confidence. I already do cross my fingers everytime I go out.
4.) Switch my perfectly painted, restored barrelback, original ( basically) looking boat to rh steering...I dunno if I could do it.
5.) Bite the bullet scrape and claw for $$$ to get to a Bravo. This is really where I think I am going to eventaully going so why not just go there how... I guess it just is the $$$. School budget is really tight. But if this is what will be the best maybe I just have to find a way to get there.
A couple questions regarding a bravo 18...
Is the extra weight really a detriment?
Will the increased lower unit size really slow my down or hurt handling?
And finally does anyone have a rh steering 18 alpha, or a 18 bravo they would be willing to let me ride in or possibly drive? I would be willing to drive quiet a distance with my 18 in tow to get a side by side comparision.
Well I guess that is it for now.
Thanks again everyone.
Chris