V Drives really worth it?

Specifically, do v drives really feel that much more roomy than a direct drive? I'd like to hear from people that have owned both.

they cost quite a bit more, so I'm wanting to know if it's really worth the extra dough.

thanks

Very Simply YES! I've had both. Plus they hold their value better so total cost of ownership is actually equal or less.

yup. its amazing how much more space it opens up

I own D drive and have riddin in many V dives, my neighbor has a V drive too IMO they are definitely worth it especially for the fact of hiding sacs. im counting the days till I upgrade

Like Hate said simply YES, I've owned both as well. You will be much happier in the V-drive.

It will always be worth more than a direct drive of similar size and options so your total ownership cost isn't going to be any more expensive since resale will be higher.

I've had both and I like the V-drive better. It's easier to weight a V-drive too, no sacs laying around the floor.

Absolutely, for a family boat there is no comparison.

i have a ddrive and would love to have a v drive.. although it is nice for it to be so versatile in terms of wake between wake and slalom.

I'll be the contrary voice. But it depends on the D drive. For me I did pick the D215 over the V215 precisely because I had a family with three small kids. With it's layout, or that of the XTI Malibu's you get the lounge style seating without the wasted space in the center. You also get a picnic table in the middle and much more rear seating. The one benefit I did not think of but really like is being able to be in the boat when I help my kids into or out of their gear. I'm not sitting up on the sun pad.
Ask that question of people who have this style of interior and you might get a different answer than if you ask v-drive owners
The normal style d-drives I've been in are definitely not as family friendly.

I currently own both a V & D drive. I love both but V drive is where its at for family fun and keeping things plush.

We had the Vride out for a ride today. Two of my neighbors, both of which are direct drive owners, came over as I was draining everything to BS a little. They both commented how much bigger the Vride is than their boats, a MC PS205 & a Centurian.

I had a 205 myself. We loved it at the time. The one thing I notice now is that when a big wave is heading my way, I just let it hit the Vride. But in the PS205, I'd be trying to get the boat oriented so it would take it across the bow. The Vride takes all the big waves a lot easier, at speed or just sitting.

I've had both and yes a v-drive is more roomy and throws a better wake IMO....

Here is a perfect example. I own the Ve, but have been in the 22i quite a few times.

Tige 22i DD = rated for 10 people.

Tige 22Ve V-drive = rated for 14 and no one has to move forward if someone wants to ski.

So they also depreciate less?

Yes becasue as you can see most people prefer them.

I believe so.

Because there is more demand for them.

Bill k...

Sounds like some people on ole Liberty need a V-drive???

Lets get to work on that Kid !!!

Hehe, you know it, Rocky.
Need to find some people on Liberty with nads first. I was out there on Sunday, 62 air, 52 water temps. There was only 2 other boats on the lake, both fishermen.

Mark and Ferny rode yesterday...

Guess I need to hit CdA then. It's just such a PITA when there is good water a block away.

I need to fix my left wrist seal too.

I think you can get a good wake out of a direct drive, but you'll never get the same amount of room as a V drive. I own a DD and I'm determined to get a V just for that reason alone...

So, with a direct drive (open bow), do you feel cramped with more than a few people in the boat?

the problem with a dd is you dont have anywhere to hide weight. you have just as much room but no where to hide any ballast whatsoever except for a ski locker in the front(if you have one). in a v-drive you have lockers in the rear and the front

We had a Tige 22i and at the time I thought it was perfect- until we went out in a 22ve. The extra walk around space without the motorbox was HUGE! We have found our 22ve much easier to weight and is much more comfortable for a day on the lake with our family of 4 + several friends, (sometimes a dog), and lots of stuff. We will never go back to a direct drive!

The open bow helps for sure but i still feel cramped. Like jason said, you don't have anywhere to hide the weight. But, if that's all you can afford, then stay within your budget. Having been on v rides and on my dd, I know my next purchase will be a V. If your concern is space, I personally think it would be more worth it to look at an older v drive than a newer dd.