Sonic Catamaran Drive, Mark II

[lancelots]

I stumbled across this in my web crawling and I was wondering if any one had any experience with these style drives

Sonic Catamaran Drive, Mk. 2
BY
SILLETTE - SONIC LTD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kQbxnw44m0

[James S]

Looks a bit like a modified Outdrive that you might find on a petrol runabout.
Its interesting..I wonder where it went?

[boris]

yes looks like a stern drive of a launch

[lancelots]

sonic_sterndrive_and_saildrive_list

[Laidback]

Silette-Sonic
Made in England - been around at least 30 years - most often coupled to the output shaft of marine diesels housed in a nacelle pod below the bridge deck or duck boards, The leg can be rotated around 45 degrees either side of center - this move allows steerage in addition to that provided the catamaran rudders.
The advantage is having a single Diesel engine instead the normal 2 found in cats. Disadvantage is the reverse locking mechanism. sonic_type_2_catamaran_drive

[Beach Cruiser]

Gemini, Victory V35 and some older Prout catamarans use them. On the Victory we have a lever for steering the drive.

Barry
s/v Beach Cruiser
Victory V35

[smj]

We had one on our Catfisher 32 coupled to a 35hp Yanmar. Never had a problem with it but heard others had. Almost gave the maneuverability of a twin screw.

[SunKing]

Gemini uses them coupled to Westerbeke engines... Never a problem as long as you keep the reverse locking mechanism clean and well lubricated... Heard of several people coming up with simple secondary locks...

[lancelots]

Thanks Guys and Galls much appreciated

[moggie]

Have one on a Prout37, works fine, a bit noisy(whine) the drive comes out of the water, great if you snag a rope or net, you just lean over the back and clear it, don't even have to stop the engine. Keeps your prop clean and out of the water when sailing, boat speed goes up by almost 1kt. when you lift it. Good suport from manufacturer, he will actualy comunicate with you! in this day and age that is quite somthing! Moggie.

[lancelots]

Good one Moggie thanks mate