Is an outboard motor better than a stern drive?

Question

Is an outboard motor better than a stern drive?

Answer 1

I live in Louisiana down bayou Lafourche,  we have plenty of boats down here and except for the ones used offshore 99.9% are outboards (the kind that sit on the transom of the boat, no inside outside).  I would recommend that kind unless you are using it for the Offshore and it is a big boat.

Less maintance and just more feasible to me.

Answer 2

Do you mean an outboard-inboard motor? or an inboard engine and shaft alley? The inboard engine, has a higher cost of maintenance, and just as aircraft need logged in PM, so does watercraft. When you carry boat and motor to the launching, each time, then the inboard outboard is the one to select, for cost, and ease of preventive maintenance, and sense of reliability.

Answer 3

I think it all comes down to what sport you will be using your boat for.  If you are going to wakeboard, an inboard (V-drive or Direct drive) is the boat of choice.  The added weight in the appropriate locations and hull design maximize the wake.  Water skiers prefer a Direct drive inboard and hull shape to minimize wake.  Both are up in upper price tag spectrum.  Runabouts (Inboard/Outboard and pure Outboards) can be used for multiple sports are are much less expensive.  While the hull shape is not specifically designed for either wakeboarding or skiing, you typically have trim tabs that can change the shape of the wake depending on the sport you are participating in.  Most if not all fishing boats are outboards and cover the entire price spectrum.    As far as maintenance is concerned, I have an inboard V-drive wakeboard boat (MasterCraft) and have had no mechanical issues in the 4 years I've had the boat.  I do all the preventive maintenance and scheduled maintenance as outlined by my dealer and manual.  I also trailer my boat full time, I ride in lakes close to my house (15 minutes to an hour away) as well as haul it over 300 miles plus when I'm traveling for business with no issues.  I think it comes down to doing regular maintenance and spending the time to ensure it remains in peak performance is a must.  A labor of love for sure.  Hope this answers some of what you are looking for.