Arneson Surface Drives (ASD) was originally developed by its inventor Mr. Howard Arneson. The creation of his unique surface drive system began as a hobby. Arneson spent about three years developing the drive system, which was introduced in 1980. 

He began with a fixed shaft arrangement with a surface piercing propeller, and although the basic idea worked, it was impossible to trim up or down. A key element in his invention was a ball and a socket arrangement, which when coupled with a constant velocity joint would allow the operator to change the angle and achieve the trimmability Arneson was seeking.

Initially tested on many different racing applications, Arneson Surface Drives were immediately successful in a number of racing circuits around the world.  Since the production of Arneson Surface drives in 1980, many catamarans in excess of 150 mph have been designed and are currently in operation today. Since then thousands of ASD have been produced and ASD is became the most popular and used surface drive system in the world.

In 1992 Twin Disc Inc. a major company in marine propulsion field acquired the rights to manufacture and distribute ASD. The development of different ASD sized has continued since that time to meet a wide range of applications in the boating industry, and today, Twin Disc offers nine different model sizes for gas, diesel and turbine engines up to 10,000 Hp.

Over 20 Government Agencies around the world have recognized the many advantages of ASD and have built patrol boats and other craft that utilize ASD as well as Commercial operators who have applications ranging from small utility craft to ferry boats. 

Trimmability
The capability to trim up and/or down the drive is obtained through a hydraulic cylinder called “trim cylinder”. The ability to trim the Arneson Drives allows for the propeller submergence to match the engine horsepower output, thus more power is converted to producing thrust while the engine is operating closer or at its rated power curve.

Propeller submergence can be adjusted while underway, by using a surface piercing propeller in conjunction with an ASD, allowing selection of the optimum thrust angle for varying load and sea condition

Steerability
Steering control and response is maximized when the propeller function is the essential directional force. Unlike conventional systems that vector propeller thrust off an external rudder, the Arneson Surface Drives angle the propellers in the appropriate direction of motion. Because the thrust steering the ASD can turn tighter, with greater control than fixed shaft drives. Tests shown that positive thrust steering has an effect double than propeller rudder effect. Maneuverability is improved at all speed. 

Reversibility
The Surface Drives have the reputation for poor reversing characteristics. Unlike Surface fixed shaft system Arneson Surface Drives can be trimmed down during docking maneuvering improving a lot reversing.

New blade designs released over the last years have improved reverse maneuverability in respect to traditional “cleaver” type design and now harbor performance is very similar to conventional propeller applications thanks to this development together with an appropriate hull design and the use of Arneson articulated Surface Drive system. 

The result of such innovative propulsion system can be summarized as follows:

1. 15-30% speed increase over conventional systems 
2. 15-30% increase in fuel efficiency 
3. Shallow water maneuverability 
4. Reduced cavitation 
5. Larger selection of propellers 
6. Reduced underwater appendage drag up to 50% 
7. Positive thrust steering- superior maneuverability 
8. Maintenance simplicity- less than 20 moving parts 
9. Low maintenance requirements 
10. Greater flexibility of engine placement 
11. Less vibration- smoother running condition

The proven performance and reliability of Arneson Surface Drives (ASD) is available for all craft ranging from 30 up to 200 feet. 18 models are available and allow the selection of the most suitable ASD for any planning hull and engine.