44 DA w/QSB 380 and PODS thoughts

[SeaNile]

Buddy is looking at the 42/44 DA and came across one with pods. I've heard nothing but bad things about pods, especially in the 2008 era all from people who have never owned pods. How about any actual experience? I'm sure this particular boat is slightly faster and more efficient than the V drive boats but that's about all I know.

 

[BlueYonder]

Hard to find any new boats with the Zeus system. Volvo seems to have won the pod wars. I would be suspicious about the long term availability of parts and service for the Zeus pods. That said, I have a friend with Zeus pods on his Sabre 42, and they have been trouble free.

Good reading here:
https://www.sbmar.com/community/topic/zeus-pods-good-bad-ugly/

 

[Shaps]

Buddy is looking at the 42/44 DA and came across one with pods. I've heard nothing but bad things about pods, especially in the 2008 era all from people who have never owned pods. How about any actual experience? I'm sure this particular boat is slightly faster and more efficient than the V drive boats but that's about all I know.

I have pods and will happy to share my real world experience with him. Sending you a PM.
In short, pods are just another system on a boat. In this case, an hydraulic system. As we all are aware, all systems require maintenance and if deferred, the ultimate cost can be higher. The lower unit of the pod is like a beefier Bravo 3 lower unit from what i can tell. Some of the shaft seals seem to be the same part number even.