Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a drive system for a marine craft of the type wherein the power plant or drive engine is located inboard of the craft and the overall craft is designed for high performance operation. The system includes twin drive engines preferably of the diesel type mounted in spaced relation to the stern of the craft. Two elongated straight line drive shaft extend from a driving interconnection with separate ones of the engines rearwardly so as to have respective distal ends located outboard of the craft and be oriented to pass through the transom such that the drive shafts are maintained at a predetermined angular orientation sufficient to position propeller structures at a substantially optimum surface piercing position relative to the static water line.