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View Full Version : The new Caudwell sterndrive....



Donziweasel
03-20-2009, 11:08 AM
Pretty cool concept. You get the cockpit space of a outboard and no u-joints. I like it. Hell, would sure make some room in a 16 bildge.

http://www.caudwellmarine.com/pages/799684675/axis.asp

They offer a 350 hp 4.5L V-8 to boot.

justleft
03-20-2009, 01:14 PM
Well the gear box is made by XTRAC !!

I have used several of their torgue biasing diffs in auto racing.

Sweet stuff but not cheap.

MOP
03-20-2009, 02:47 PM
Beautiful piece! But it is some busy mechanically, and can you just imagine grenading one! You would need a "Bail Out"!!!!

Donziweasel
03-20-2009, 03:26 PM
The brochure download has better pics-

http://www.caudwellmarine.com/files/799684675/PDFs/Caudwell%20Brochure_webdownload.pdf

Engines are from Infiniti. Pretty cool the more I read about it.

They must believe it is a good product- Wannranty- If one breaks down and it is not due to operator, and can not be fixed in 24 hours, they will replace the entire thing in 48 hours. Holy %*&? Batman, wonder what Mercruiser thinks of that.

I think Mercs warranty is if it breaks and not operator error, and can't be fixed in 24 hours, try fixing it in 48 hours, then 72 hours, up to 1000 hours. If still broken at this point, buy a new one.

BigGrizzly
03-20-2009, 07:12 PM
I saw them at Miami, Interesting engine is a dry sump. they looked cool, just wonder how strong they are?

Planetwarmer
03-21-2009, 03:33 PM
[quote=Donziweasel;502017]The brochure download has better pics-

http://www.caudwellmarine.com/files/799684675/PDFs/Caudwell%20Brochure_webdownload.pdf

Engines are from Infiniti. Pretty cool the more I read about it.

As in Infinity (Nissan) cars? Same engine as the FX 45?

BigGrizzly
03-22-2009, 08:12 AM
When we saw them they look pretty tall but did mot take much front to back room. The gear box looks pretty busy. It is a pretty big unit engine and lower combined. We were looking at the 350 HP. engine runs some pretty high RPMS, but am sure the engine is capable of it.

Donziweasel
03-22-2009, 08:21 AM
Yep, engines are marinized Infiniti car engines. I think Infiniti has always been known for quality. Maybe they went the Infiniti vs. SBC route due to the compactness of the engine.

Would have probably been a hell of a lot cheaper in the R and D of this setup to go SBC though.

Anywho, seems like more and more companies are getting interested in sterndrive setups.

BigGrizzly
03-22-2009, 08:34 AM
DW I am not so sure on the ease of the SBC, too much involved with oiling and draining of the chevy, its bad enough in a race motor

BUIZILLA
03-22-2009, 08:44 AM
that engine was voted one of the 10 best in the world ever built...

Donziweasel
03-22-2009, 08:49 AM
I thought about that. If you could figure out the oil pickup, I think it would be cheaper.

Let's face it, you can get a SBC long block for 1800.00, dressed and ready to go at 5000.00. Wonder what an Infinity 4.5L V-8 dressed is? Bet over 10,000.00 if not more. I also bet it is one hell of a smooth, powerful engine. Wonder what it sounds liek with thru hull.