Formula 40ss and drive issues

[Sammyb713]

Looking into the 40SS...But alot of people tell me that the drives blow very easily...

Anyone heard any differently?

I dont want to purchase a boat that I am going to be replacing drives every other year???

 

[Ratickle]

Depends on the driver a lot. Black Thunders have the same issue, but many who have them do not have major drive issues because they don't "Offshore" style run them.

Mine has 3A's, but Patriyacht is running decent HP power on his BT.

 

[Ted]

Most of the drive issues are with Bravo 3 boats that are kept in the water, eats them up big time, then they leak at a seal and water gets in, then boom. Since the 40 is not a sport boat and usually has less than 500 hp per side they are actually pretty easy on drives when it comes to power through them. As long as you find a lift kept boat you should be good.

 

[Sammyb713]

Yeah, I am just worried..bigger payment..bigger fuel tanks..just dont want to have to worry about the drives going up...

I am torn between moving to a 38 Sonic or a 40SS...

Dont know if I am ready to leave the speed scene...

 

[Ratickle]

Dont know if I am ready to leave the speed scene...

Black Thunder. 100mph condo.........:sifone:

 

[VetteLT193]

I just swapped out drives on a 280 SS. from BIII to BI. I think the 40 also has BIII's on it... you could probably buy the boat, take the drives off and sell them and buy a nice used set of Bravo X or XR's and be even or ahead money wise... the BIII's seem to command a big price used where the Bravo 1 series are more abundant and are cheaper used.

A member on another site said he picked up 5 MPH going from 3's to 1's on his boat. I haven't tested the 280 yet but if we pick up anything it would be pretty sweet.

 

[Sammyb713]

That sounds like a plan...I will have to see what I end up purchasing..currently have a 35 Sonic..love the boat..but just like to step up...I get bored easily..

 

[JupiterSunsation]

Any big boat will eat drives if the captain is doing Bobby Saccenti throttle imitations on a 3-5ft++ day!

Seems the bravo formula for success is: Less than 40 ft, less than 10,000 lbs and less than 650HP per side with a decent captain.

 

[C_Spray]

Go for one with the Volvo deisels and these bad boys (DP-R's). You'll have zero drive problems, better economy and a higher cruise speed.

 

[gerritm]

This Black Thunder is for sale. I know the boat. Never find one nicer or better maintained. One of a kind. Floating condo.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifieds/46_039_black_thunder-o29800-en.html

 

[H20 Toie]

I have 525's on my 400ss and not a single drive issue. ( hopefully i didnt jinx myself)
It isn't a Cig so when it gets rough i slow down. if it's smooth then we do 60.

 

[Wobble]

I just swapped out drives on a 280 SS. from BIII to BI. I think the 40 also has BIII's on it... you could probably buy the boat, take the drives off and sell them and buy a nice used set of Bravo X or XR's and be even or ahead money wise... the BIII's seem to command a big price used where the Bravo 1 series are more abundant and are cheaper used.

A member on another site said he picked up 5 MPH going from 3's to 1's on his boat. I haven't tested the 280 yet but if we pick up anything it would be pretty sweet.

A 40ss is going to be a pig to get out of the water with bravo 1's i have been in a couple of 330ss with and without the 3's. The 3's equipped boat got up and going much easier.

 

[dockrocker]

A 40ss is going to be a pig to get out of the water with bravo 1's i have been in a couple of 330ss with and without the 3's. The 3's equipped boat got up and going much easier.

That's what I was thinking - that bus needs the extra blade area from a set of B3's.

 

[Rik]

Here is your solution. End the nightmares and the band aids and start enjoying boating again.

 

[smokin' joe]

Well said...

 

[Shockwave]

Here is your solution. End the nightmares and the band aids and start enjoying boating again.

Has anyone done an Arneson drive on a 400SS ?
I looked at a Donzi 41 ZSC with Arnesons in Florida but didn't like the layout as much as the Formula .
I've wondered if the factory would do a special order .

 

[Spicy]

No drive issues at all......

 

[Spicy]

As long as you find a lift kept boat you should be good.

Well said Ted....:26::26: :sifone:

 

[Magicfloat]

Neighbor has an 01 with over 500 hours.Sat in freshwater since day one.Drives from that era had big time corrosion problems,even in freshwater. I think there was a class action lawsuit filed,don't know the outcome.He has never had a mechanical drive issue at all,but they look like they are about to fall off.And they will someday.As has been mentioned,if not left in the water you should be OK.

 

[Spicy]

Looking into the 40SS...But alot of people tell me that the drives blow very easily...

Anyone heard any differently?

I dont want to purchase a boat that I am going to be replacing drives every other year???

Mine were replaced by the original owner in 05, dont know why but they were brand new when I bought the boat..... so bring a check to Cambridge!!!!!:26::sifone::seeya: