I've been looking at belts and pulleys and chains and sprockets and im finding that it would be cheaper for me to go with chain and sprockets on a home build surfaced drive, but I was wondering what the pro's-con's would be and I havent really been able to find pulleys, could some one who has done this on there own point me in the right direction here to look at for options. Thanks!

cheaper for the first build. But after you replace it a couple of times then you are more into it than buying the cog pulley and belt.

alright, I am pretty dead set on what I want to do for gear ratio, I was planning on around a 1:1.5 ratio, I was looking at around a 28 top and a 42 bottom. I plan on using a 16 hp motor and a 10x8 hill prop.

Belts are more forgiving than a chain

^^^ and quieter

well i guess that answers a couple questions, where is everyone getting there pulleys at then for their builds?

I went the chain route first and let me save you some trouble....go with the belt. Go to McMaster Carr for your pulley's and belts.

I haven't done a good cost comparison between buying through McMaster or buying a Gates set up through one of their distributors (Motion Industries, BDI, etc) I have always gone the Gates route on my builds and had very good luck. Many options for ratios belt widths and lengths.

Ive built the exact same thing using a chain drive. Like most of the post say it is louder than a belt drive and creates more vibration. But as far as reliability I have had not problems with it. I have hunted it every weekend since the beginning of early teal and have had no problems. Keep the chain lubed and check the tension and it should be fine.

Total cost of chain and sprockets $47.00. Its hard for me to spend upwards of $200.00 on a belt.

If you go with a belt go with gates. Great product. try ebay

good luck