When I bought my boat the drum brakes were nothing but a ball of rust.
I agree with most everyone here that brakes can be a maintenance nightmare, but there were a few reasons that I felt I needed them.
- Towing weight - I'm guessing from 6000 to 8000 lbs.
- I often tow 50 - 100 miles
- I often have my wife and my three kids (and somebody else's kids) with me
One I decided that I wanted them there was no way I was going to go with drums. Too hard too inspect and maintain. After much research I went with Kodiak discs, SS Caliper, Cad Discs .
This is the first season with them and no problems so far. Long term still needs to be seen but the discs are so much easier to inspect. I also installed the oil bath seals and caps that came with the brakes. So far I really like the idea. They run very cool and I can see at a glance if water is getting in or if they need oil. Much cleaner than grease too. I did get water in one hub the first time out but I think I fudged up the seal when I drove it in. I replaced it and not a drop of water since.
Rear axle if you only install on one.