Outboard vs Sterndrive [ Inboard Outboard vs outboard ] Which is Best? why? Inboard vs outboard

Welcome to our comparison between outboard and inboard outboard motors! If you're considering buying a boat and need to know which of these propulsion systems is right for you, this video is for you!
We will analyze:
00:35 Weight of propulsion units and power-to-weight ratio.
01:29 Weight distribution and center of gravity.
01:55 Usable boat space.
02:13 Swim platform.
02:35 Fuel consumption and types of fuels.
04:47 Maintenance costs.
05:31 Ease of access and work.
06:09 Inclination range.
07:00 Winterization.
07:43 Noise levels.
08:31 Repowering.
09:00 Hole shot.
09:14 Price.
10:13 Maneuverability.
10:49 conclusions.
With practical examples, data, and detailed analysis, we will help you understand the differences between these two options and guide you in choosing your needs.
Outboard engines, generally speaking, have a better power-to-weight ratio. They are lighter and offer advantages in acceleration and speed. Unlike inboards, outboards are hung outside the boat, freeing up space inside the boat. However, this can also limit the size of the swim platform, a crucial aspect for those who want easy access to the water.
Outboard motors, in general terms, present a better power-to-weight ratio. They are lighter and offer advantages in acceleration and speed. Unlike sterndrives, outboards hang outside the boat, freeing up space inside the boat. However, this can also limit the size of the swim platform, a crucial aspect for those wanting easy water access.
Regarding fuel consumption, specific models and conditions can influence efficiency, but sterndrives tend to be more efficient in consumption. Despite this, modern outboards have made significant strides in efficiency. Fuel type is essential, as stern drives offer a broader range of diesel options.
Maintenance is a significant consideration: while routine maintenance costs are similar, sterndrives are more expensive to repair in case of breakdowns. Outboards provide better accessibility, which can benefit specific maintenance or repairs.
In colder regions, winterizing (preparation for the winter) is more straightforward with outboards, as they can be tilted to avoid freezing. Regarding noise, sterndrives used to be quieter, but modern outboards have bridged this gap.
Lastly, outboards are easier and more economical to replace if considering re-powering or changing the engine. Both configurations can provide good performance regarding maneuverability, though specific features of each type can influence the sailing experience.
#boating #outboard #outboards

[@ballhawk387]

Stern drive craps out and the boat is out of commission until it is repaired, or swapped out. Outboard goes out, and it can be swapped out pronto if you have a backup. That decides it for me. Though it may take an engine crane or hoist to quickly swap out a larger outboard without help.

[@ThatGuyFromDK]

Don't have to scrap a boat, all engines can be changed. Just takes more time

[@ballhawk387]

@@ThatGuyFromDK Until the stern drive is repaired or swapped out, yes, good point. Seems it would be much, much more difficult to swap out a stern drive, unless it's a very big boat that would require a heavy outboard, but I'm not so familiar with stern drives.

[@AquaMarine1000]

In the long term, diesel outdrives will be more reliable and last longer, thus being more cost-effective over the life of the boat. Also, in the event of a fuel leak, diesel won't easily catch fire or explode. Contrary what has been stated, some sterndrives can be tilted clear of the water.

[@charliegglines3965]

I’ve got a 26 Bertram with 2 alpha one gen 1 drives. If you don’t know how to work on them or hire the wrong guy to work on it, it’s a damn nightmare for you. However, it’s a tank and they’re faster than inboards. And if you hit a rock you won’t lose the whole outboard. If you learn how to work on them by the books they’re really not terrible. Be diligent about about the time periods of water pump, bellows, and shaft seal services. I would definitely recommend getting a counter-rotating lower unit if you have 2, docking can be a pain in the ass.

[@captainwin6333]

You forgot to mention, any petrol/gasoline engine is a floating bomb because the fuel is so volatile, any leak and fire and the thing will go up like a bomb. Very dangerous if some distance from the shore. Diesel on the other hand wont burn.

[@Chas1160]

In my opinion, outboards are better all around. I have a Bravo II outdrive with a Mercury 454 large block . This engine is fast but burns 20 gallons per hour at 3200-3400 rpm with 50% fuel tank and 2-4 people onboard. If you don’t have a boat lift and/or trailer, you must be very diligent to maintain the outdrive. Saltwater can be hard on outdrive without proper maintenance. I have a diver that cleans the bottom and outdrive every quarter. The outdrive and bottom is thoroughly cleaned and painted every two years as a minimum . If you don’t have the resources for proper maintenance, don’t buy an outdrive and leave it in salt water. The boat is very attractive, has a nice swim platform. Warnings: keep up with the maintenance OR you will pay thousand in repairs. Boat mechanics are $100 plus per hour as a minimum. My future plans is to either get a boat lift OR go with a straight drive, or outboard. My boat is too big to trailer myself.😊

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

There's one other issue thats not covered here. Theft. Even at some marina's, outboard motor theft is a big thing. Thieves may not even look at "disconnecting" cables. they just unbolt, cut the the lines and toss the outboard into another boat and drive off with it. in just 1case, police arrested a mechanic with over 2 dozen stolen motors.

[@joshawageorge2122]

I would go with the inboard/outboard mercruiser because there's the option of switching out the gear ratios for better performance and fuel efficiency.the outboards are limited to just changing the prop for a difference in the rpms and fuel economy.all are susceptible to power to weight ratios for performances

[@ChrisG9978]

Stern drives still seem to achieve more speed with lower horsepower ratings. However, stern drives are more difficult to maintain, especially for winterization. Outboards are easily drained for winter storage. Stern drives also protrude down farther below the boat and don't provide as much clearance when raised...much easier to beach a boat with an outboard and safely keep the lower unit on an outboard away from harm when in shallow water or when beached.

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

If you want the torque & fuel efficiency of a diesel , go for a stern drive , otherwise just free up space & use an outboard

[@scottmclaughlin3083]

Outboards are superior, only change the direction of power once. More efficiency

[@Latagao]

Hi, I want you to include surface drive too. thanks

[@johngoodell2775]

For gas fuel motors, there is no comparison for any motorboat boat under about 28 ft. The modern outboard of all the major manufacturers are better in almost every aspect - especially reliability, power, weight, maintenance, and fuel economy. This has been a settled question for at least the last decade or more. Unless you are operating a slower displacement hull.

[@zandemen]

Outboards reliable, lol. Is that why people throw them away after a thousand hours?

[@johngoodell2775]

​@@zandemen Maybe you are not buying new motors recently. I modern Suzuki four stroke outboard will go 2-3-thousand hours no problem with regular maintenance. Most outboards made in the last decade plus will do that. Most recreational fisherman generally dont exceed 150 hours per year. That is a lot of fishing. So yeah, a new outboard should be totally reliable for many many seasons.

[@gabbermaikel]

i find it funny how he said the better power to weight of the outboard allows for better top speed of the outboard. Then we go to fuel consumption, and we see the inboard actually is a decent amount faster at prettymuch every rpm and uses less fuel in the process. That small of a weight difference in the size of boat the 300hp motors go on wont make much if any difference. But the position of that weight makes a HUGE difference. Also dont compare a 300hp diesel to a 300hp petrol/gas engine. That 300hp volvo d4 wil be WAY stronger then all those 300hp engines it was compared to. The torque on that diesel wil make it so much stronger that its more likely going to be competing with a 400hp outboard. And at that point we are comparing it with a mercury wich costs i think 56.000 in the usa? So the price difference all of a sudden isnt big at all.

[@chrishackett554]

OBs all routine maintenance can be done standing next to the engine or small stepladder by anyone with limited mechanical abilities including oil and gear case fluid changes, OB winterization involves trimming the engine down and letting gravity run out the water (although I do the oil and gear case changes too) no paying a mechanic to contort under an engine hatch. OBs can be trimmed up above the boats keel and still maintain steering without stressing the driveline like an IO. OBs have NO bellows (to leak and sink your boat) or gimbal housing to be replaced every couple years. All modern boat manufacturers have retooled their molds to include extended swim platforms that are as big if not bigger than the IO boats. Bottom line, there is zero benefit of an IO over a modern four stroke OB.

[@yose838]

If you have to choose an engine for a boat, which is better, high torque or high speed?

[@GigachadAKM]

Depends on the intended usage, boat weight, engine configuration. Etc.

[@bordfronco]

Prob torque because that's the stuff getting it going

[@dds77123]

Good video, but why not discussing the fire hazard with gasoline? That’s the main reason we have diesels in our boat.

[@fernandomartin624]

And what about the jet boats?

[@brekcic]

Direct drive?

[@josecora1917]

Stern drive are dificult to maintain, maintenance " normal " people won't do. Outboard is easy, not very expensive if you do it.

[@BurchellAtTheWharf]

Straight drives are the best Period

[@pauldavis1943]

I see a lot fewer stern drives than i used to

[@Muscleupsanddangles]

Outboards have soany advantages, but inboards sure look better amd the sound reductions are good too. I think evonomics and function I go outboard. Inboard for aestetics

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

on "larger boats", in the 32-47' territory, inboards are often accessible from below decks as well as on deck. for example the Nodric 42 engine room is fairly open. people often use it for extra storage space too... but the key and catch is. if its bad weather out. storming, ice, hail, and you lose an engine, the ability to drop below decks, and work on it there, do maintenance in a safe and secure environment rather then hanging off the bow in and ice storm... is always a plus.

[@Muscleupsanddangles]

@@jenniferstewarts4851 I never thought about that, but I see that could be a very big, very important advantage.

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

@@Muscleupsanddangles Yep, i tend to view outboards for "day cruisers" and weekenders, where you are operating in fair weather only. inboards for "liveaboards" and long range cruising, where you expect to have to do maintenance, even in bad weather. Perfect examples are peopled doing the loop, boating down the east coast, up the Miss, through the great lakes, down the St L, and back out to the east coast. a 6,000 mile trip... so you KNOW it won't be all fair weather... and yo know something is likely to require maintenance along the way.

[@Muscleupsanddangles]

@@jenniferstewarts4851 I see. What type of boats are you usually running (purpose)? Salt applications? Inshore, offshore? I am trying yo learn a lot about boats because I am retiring soon and always dreamed about living that boat life.

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

@@Muscleupsanddangles I'm great lakes. so its "fresh water", but you treat them as oceans. Today its light fog with 1' waves and 10 knot wind... but we can see waves up to 20'. They actually hold "off shore races" on the lakes with 70'ers. I personally though operated a 28' cabin cruiser and boy did that thing EVER get tossed in bad weather. but compared to other boats it fared much better then the smaller ones. and yep it was an inboard the motor though was accessed through aft deck, but the aft deck was covered and enclosed... so we could work on it safely away from the elements.

[@NoPrxssure]

I’ll stick to my big block 1350/1550

[@BrianSmith-gp9xr]

An under powered engine burns more gas. runs at a lesser RPM. Over power runs longer and in the cases of big catche so bad weather. You need the extra power.

[@carlosbarrueta7403]

Hi I have a bravo one s/n 0L853683 but when I look for part there’s many Sterndrive letter and number ranger like bravo Sterndrive 0f730000 thru 0m100000 bravo Sterndrive 0B664190 thru 0f729999 an more Bravo 0M100001 thru 0w249999 Bravo one 0W 250000 & up How can know from my sería number which one it’s my right model or ranger numbers Thanks

[@franks4973]

I would only buy outboards. In boards are difficult to work on and high cost to fix. Look at how many used inboards for sale that don’t work. People forget to do maintenance and blow the “glorified auto” engine. Unless you have money and a really big boat, get a multiple outboard boat then you have redundancy if 1 engine dies.

[@jleginski1]

Lol veradoo

[@hugoglenn9741]

If you think sterndrives are acceptable, run one in saltwater then wait a month. You won’t even want to know how the inside of you exhaust manifold looks. You also pretty much stuck with mercury and the trim/tilt and trim limit switch are built cheaply with plastic. Try running those in saltwater over a period of time. To replace the wiring you will have to remove the whole stern drive. That will be the last sterndrive you buy

[@grimreefer5159]

That's if you're too cheap to buy a closed loop fresh water cooling system. And manifolds generally need to be replaced every 5-10 years anyway. Probably less if you have a fresh water system. Also you can negate this by just flushing with fresh water after you get done riding in salt.

[@catlas_]

The biggest problem for a Mercury is an irresponsible owner. Always flush with fresh water after time in salt or brackish water, and replace consumables regularly.

[@zandemen]

Break off a seized shift linkage in your lower leg while trying to change an impeller, you'll never go back to outboards. My impeller takes three screws... done. Literally one minute. Also an inline flush system, so no muffs, can even flush without the engine running.

[@jackdaniels2657]

I think outboard is more efficient it weighs less then stern drive

[@jackdaniels2657]

Outboard seems more efficient if it weighs less let's think of how far it really goes per revolution ND not rpm like distance per revolution matters if it weighs less and has better weight distribution it should be more efficient per rpm

[@jordigrau3625]

Outboard forever for me...

[@Tracker7266]

Outboard.... all day long.

[@SuperDirk1965]

A real boat has an inboard engine with a propshaft. Everything else are toys.

[@Muscleupsanddangles]

Isn't that what boats are? Toys?