Conversion to CR drive

D

Dan Kozusko

Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2007
RO Number
28781
Messages
108
I am considering replacing one of my lower alpha drive units with a counter-rotating drive. I know the costs are high but I like my 1989 Santego (30 foot) boat. Will the CR drive increase my dock handling a lot or just a bit? The boat has a high windage factor and it doesn't back in well at all. Also I am hearing that merc CR drives are not as durable as the right hand drives and usually fail first. Any truth? Has anyone done a conversion and was it worth it?
 
Dan,
I have an '89 27 Santego and agree - in the wind, it can be a white knuckle experience. I don't have any experience with CR drives so I can help you out...
 
I haven't really noticed a big difference between two same rotation drive and CR drives. Not enough to want to change mine to CR's.
 
Thats my biggest question! I see all my buddies backing into slips lickity split while I mess about trying to back in and ultimately noseing in.I never had trouble with my single drive 27 footer but this boat is vexing! Love the boat except for the backing in. I realize they have sunbridges and mine is a flybridge but a touch of breeze and I'm lost. I will go to 4 blade for more bite but if I get two new props I thought I should go CR and bite the bullet. I know that Ramsport is the Carver guru and would value his opinion. I wonder if going CR would be close to the duo-prop set-up that the boat should have had! My mechanic suggested way better handling all around and the prospect of having a spare lower unit should I come become to friendly with a rock.
 
It would not even be close to the Volvo Duo Prop setup. I guess at this point, you should be thankful you haven't operated one of those with twins...you'd be looking for a boat with them. One thing you may consider is....wait for it....a bow thruster. Being a bridge boat, I'm sure that it's the bow that blows out, and not the stern...this would take care of that issue...at a cost.
 
Thanx Kenny...That's the beauty of boating, there never seems to be a lack of options for filling that hole in the water that we throw money in! I saw another option that pumped water to underwater jets on the four corners of the boat for ultimate control but $$$$$ plus. I'll check out thrusters and see where that tallies at.
 
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