V-Drive bracing

[carteaco]

I've been told that I need to brace my v-drive. Hondo Ski hydro,427 BBC,single 1050 holley,11.5:1. Opinions please

[hydroguy]

You need to post a picture of it so we can see how it is mounted now.

[carteaco]

Sorry, No pics available.The boats disassembled. But, their is no bracing, just the plate between the cases. and attached to the stringers. The mounting plate has been trimed down to only about 3" at the botom that attaches to the stringers. My guess is that when it was rigged in 79' it didnt have much HP....or thats just the way it was done then. I have noticed a scuff mark on the drive shaft where it has rubbed on the log housing.(not the seal). Now it makes sense that the v-drive flexed causing the shaft to flex.

[AquaCraft]

Based only on your brief description it sounds like your v-drive needs additional bracing. A v-drive takes a tremendous amount of torque and thrust; all the power that is put to the prop is sent right back-up the shaft to push the boat forward through the v-drive and it's mounting system that tie it to the hull. Take a look at some of the photos of the v-drive installations on this site for ideas on what is typical. Post photos of your mount system; assembled or not; for more help from some of the experts. A prop shaft scuffed at the shaft log can be caused by a number of issues; being bent or needing a whip strut are two of many possibilities. Not all boats are put together by experts; there are lots of boats put together by well meaning folks that look great but are accidents waiting to happen. You are wise to be doing your research on this critical issue.

[shooter2]

Take a look at the thread need help with prop shaft. Art posted a pic there that shows how your v-drive should be mounted. If I had half a brain I could post it here, but we are sol there, so go look at that thread.

Brian

[Flatmvn]

You mean this one.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/923/vdriveplatebs5.jpg

Louis:D

[Flatmvn]

Sounds Like Carteaco's is mounted Like this one.

http://www.v-driveboat.com/vweb/attachment.php?attachmentid=212&d=1208937673


Louis

[RiverRacer]

Just the fact that the plate has been cut down that much weakens it considerably!. The only reason that one I did is cut down as much is because the location and needed the leg room, otherwise I wouldn't have cut down as much!. If you have the room I'd make another plate. Gotta remember, all the push is against the v-drive!.