I've seen Horizon Cats advertised with direct drive and V-drives. What are the different handling characteristics of the Cats with the direct drive versus the V-drive?
I don't think there are any handling characteristics between either.....it was just what fit better in the boat and for weight distribution.
Actually that difference in weight distribution has to have an effect on handling and performance, but I DK anyone with experience on both configurations. I'm sure the main concern was picking up more cabin space but I'd be very interested to hear from anyone with actual experience on both. This is the first time I've heard of a boat with this option.
I don't think an actual length has a choice between V-drive or shafts. I think that Horizon chose which one to go with for each size based upon the weight distribution they needed. I looked at a Horizon for a customer and as a day boat they really excelled. Had the flybridge and aft deck of a 100' yacht or larger. Salon was very wide as well. Master was very wide with king size mattress and plenty of room around it, my issue was with the master head and that you had about 10 suicide (steep) steps down to the head from the master bed.......I could see someone waking up to take a leak and killing themselves walking down to use the head, and the crew mattress was in a horrible location......you had all of the breakers on the wall 1' above the mattress for the whole boat. I only looked at one and it was about 10 years ago.
" I think that Horizon chose which one to go with for each size based upon the weight distribution they needed. " That would make more sense, but was not what the OP said.
I understand that and it makes perfect sense, I am more interested in the handling qualities of each. Docking, with just the V-Drive versus docking with a Direct-drive. The characteristics of each while under going normal operation, in following seas, and when in very rough seas.
Shouldn't be any noticeable difference in those areas; more in getting on plane, cruising speed and top end as the boat may ride at a different angle due to the engine weight being more forward or aft. The props are probably in about the same location and angle for both. The big difference is in how the interior space is utilized. Now if you were talking pods that would be a game changer, but not this. My guess would be that the V-drive might allow for a bigger or extra stateroom.
I have done about 15 sea trials on Horizon power cats and noted no differnece between the two drive types.
There is no need to yell, I have operated direct-drive for year. I have never operated a V-drive, I understand now it is only the placement of the engine, props, and shafts. Which does affect how the interior space is utilized. I read NYCAP123 and understand from his post.
The difference is the engine is placed further forward taking up more interior room on a dirct drive while with a v-drive it is placed further back. The props are in about the same place thus the direct drive will take longer shafts. That is a general description. That was what I got from your post.
I love these forums, thank you Capt J and NYCAP123 for the education and please don’t hesitate to keep doing it.