How to drive a vdrive/direct drive

jonh · Newbie Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 10

We have owned many sailboats, driven lots of IO's but just got our fist ski boat - a Maristar with a vdrive. Any tips on driving, mainly at very slow spped when docking. Its totally different when docking vs a sailboat or I/O.

Thanks, Jon

projectely4 · Posted: May 10, 2003 7:20 am Post subject:

yeah when you put ski boats in revers they don't really turn but because of the prop the boat will drift to the right when put in reverse.

Partyb · Posted: May 10, 2003 7:52 am Post subject:

Depends on boat actually, or more accurately, which way the engine spins. Some boats will only rev to right, some left. I believe MC goes to starboard when rev. I've heard that san's go to left.

Slaytwebeling · Addict Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 892 City: Houston

SAN's i think are the only ones that go left and all the others i'm pretty sure go right

Jay Dutton · Posted: May 10, 2003 12:03 pm Post subject:

I usually just coast in towards the dock at about a 45 degree angle. When I get get a few feet away I crank the wheel and bump the throttle to get it parallel to the dock and just bump it in reverse to stop.

My old boat that I had for two seasons didn't have reverse that worked the enitre time I had it, so I got pretty good at docking. Basically you have to use more caution and be aware of what's around you.

Oh yeah, my Dixie Skier backs to the left. I usually pull up starboard side so I can grab the dock, even though it docks easier on the port side.

X-Star · Soul Rider Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 253

Like they said, you can't stear in reverse. When you engage reverse on a ski boat, the torque of the engine and the dirrection of the propelor will spin you in one dirrection. Takes a little getting used to. Good thing about it is that with a little bit of practice, I think it can be easier to dock.

Above all, by the end of the season you should be good at driving with a little bit of practice. Good luck and dont hit me if you see me on the lake with ya.

Skwake · Posted: May 11, 2003 9:16 pm Post subject:

man that would take a bit of gettin used a bit different than the old outboard haha

Magic · Outlaw Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 240 City: Seattle

Watch out a bit for rollers. Even on a V-drive when you are going slowly you can dip the bow thru a roller.

Other than that, whats noted above is it. These things don't go backwards very well. You will get used to the right hand pull in reverse.

psudy · Outlaw Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 155 City: kansas

I have a Mastercraft as well. The easiest way to dock (if its not a slip) is to come in on the drivers side. Start at a 90 degree angle and just before you get (coasting) turn the wheel to the left and bump the gas. it will turn you. Then bump it into reverse and you should be perfect. Remember, neutral, idiol. Just bump the gas to keep the boat straight. Hope this helps!

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

Inboards also won't turn (at leat not well) unless the boat is in gear. So at slow speeds I put it in gear for 2 second and out for 2 seconds. This allows you to make the minor adjustments when coming into a dock or trailering. Also since the prop pulls you to the right (or left) in reverse you can use this to spin on axis if quarters are tight, by cranking the rudder all the way over and alternating from drive to reverse.

ChadB · Newbie Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Posts: 10

I have a VLX and it backs to the right. If you turn the rudder all the way to the left and then start to back, you can keep the boat almost straigt while backing.