sterndrive vs outboard maintenance costs

A sterndrive motor offers the power of an inboard motor with the drive of an outboard. As your premier source for all things boating and off-roading, we are happy to help answer all your questions in our Learning Center blog. Do’s and Don’ts of Towing A Boat On The Water. They are powered by an automotive engine connected to a drive unit that is both the transmission and the propulsion. this is just a start. Outboard Versus Sterndrive. However, because sterndrive engines aren’t as easy to access, they are usually more expensive to service (difficult access means more expensive labor costs when routine maintenance or repairs are needed). The upper unit engine is located inboard, just forward of the boat stern, producing power by way of a shaft that goes through the stern to the lower drive unit (also known as the outdrive) located outside the hull, which resembles the bottom half of an outboard. For budget conscious buyers, you will spend less money up-front with outboard power. Sterndrive Motors. Life of the engine? Outboards, on the other hand, last about 750 hours on average. Can someone advise if there are any advantages/disadvantages with a stern drive compared to an outboard? Outboards are nimble and can be maneuvered in tight places like narrow channels and marinas. We've always had outboards, so would be interested in others opinions. In fact, they can be tilted up, even with the keel of the boat in order to get off of a sandbar. You understand the advantages of inboard diesel power - better fuel economy, longer engine life, less maintenance, cleaner running, better performing, safer to … Outboard Motors. Fuel Consumption Sterndrive Vs Outboard. Torque has practical advantages, such as keeping the boat on plane at slower speeds or pulling a skier or wakeboarder out of the water. Once upon a time, sterndrive was the most popular power option for sport boats. See how and where the big ones …. That gives a performance advantage to the sterndrive. You can squeeze roughly 1,500 hours out of an inboard before necessary maintenance. Sterndrive power seems like it requires more maintenance than an outboard. A sterndrive, is an inboard/outboard motor that has an outboard lower unit which connects up through the transom of the boat to an inboard diesel or gas engine. Both options are available throughout the TAHOE lineup, just as they are with many runabouts and deck boats of the same or nearly identical model. Our engines are engineered and built solely for marine duty. From our experience, we will consider the differences in maintenance considerations at 10-15 years for both shaft-drive and sterndrive. The sterndrive is a widely available and popular for boats under 30 feet. The difference is that since the outboard shaft is connected to the engine, and the entire engine tilts, there is no potential for drive damage. Certainly one of the biggest advantages to outboard power is the fact that outboards can be tilted up to run in very shallow water. As you consider a new boat, take these points into consideration to be sure that you are getting the best configuration and power to fit your needs. Not just yet. If entertaining family and friends and enjoying watersports is your goal, a sterndrive is hard to beat. A sterndrive, or stern drive, is a form of boat propulsion also known as inboard/outboard or I/O. Our sales consultants can answer your questions and guide you to the best boat for your needs. There is no oil to mix with the fuel—which can be messy—because the lubrication system has an oil pan and filter. Winterizing an outboard is simple—you can even do it yourself. As you research the options, consider the following helpful facts. Notify Me. Outboards do not need draining (coolant water) for winterizing, it is much easier and less risky to do your own work and maintenance on them. Four stroke outboard technology makes both power sources worth considering. Easier maintenance? The sterndrive I/O has many advantages compared to a regular inboard boat motors. Outboard models are also affordable and easier to repower if you keep your boat for a long time. www.duncansboats.com Bass Pro Shops®/Cabela's® Boating Center™ is the largest volume boat retailer in the world. You can do that with an outboard but not as much with a sterndrive, which has the outdrive and propeller protruding lower than the boat hull. So for about $6,000 you have a new 250-HP engine. A stern drive, sometimes also called an I/O, or Inboard/Outboard, is essentially a combination between inboard engine and an outboard drive unit. Oils … The intentions are all good, because TAHOE wants you to have the very best boat for you. However, making 600 horsepower gives the outboard a power-to-weight ratio of 0.05, while the 760-horsepower sterndrive’s power-to-weight ratio is 0.058, or 14 percent better. Copyright © 2021 White River Marine Group, LLC.®. There is more angler content on Social Media! First, purchase the right rod and reel. These lightweight rigs are equally at home in shallow water, too, making Deep Vs the ideal choice for anglers seeking versatility and value in a boat. Sterndrives also provide an important safety consideration. There is nothing left to do but give the nod to the sales consultant and close the deal, right? Perhaps that is because most outboard engines can be tilted clear of the water and do not spend their entire life submerged like sterndrives tend to be. And in some cases a lack of maintenance (particularly with the boot) doesn’t … You will see outboard engines on pontoons , aluminum boats, bass boats , bowriders , small cruisers, and some high-performance off-shore speed and fishing boats . How To. Bass Pro Shops®/Cabela's® Boating Center is more than just a boat dealer—we’re here to help make all your boating and off-roading dreams come true. However, the annual maintenance of outboards is generally less. Recommended to you based on your activity and what's popular • Feedback In the old days there was a pretty simple decisive line between the two, the original 2-stroke outboard was inexpensive, had tons of get up and go but this performance was at the expense of high fuel burn as well as … 2-Stroke Outboards: Average $150-$300 per engine in parts. winterizing an outboard is simple. The view aft is free of obstruction so a driver can easily see anyone towed behind the boat during watersports activities. Outboard models allow better transom access for fishing when fighting and landing a prized catch. That is a must when boating in fall/winter to avoid water freezing inside the motor. Neither engine requires more routine maintenance than the other. Want to learn how you can help protect the environment while off-roading? Re: outboard vs. sterndrive or i/o outboards have far less maintainance, and are more owner friendly when you need to do maintainance. Due to this, sterndrive motors require regular maintenance. Former NFL Player Domenik Hixon is a Successful Charter Fishing Captain. Saltwater or brackish water are going to have a corrosive effect on the exposed sterndrive motors. Outboard vs. Sterndrive. One boat is a shaft or V-drive, and the other is a twin sterndrive. Outboards don’t have distributor caps and rotors so parts costs are usually about $100 less for an annual service. The actual engine rests directly in front of the transom, and the drive unit is outside the hull. That is not to say that stern drives cannot be tilted up. About Sterndrive Replacement. If easy access to the water is important, along with allowing passengers to spread out, the sterndrive is worth considering. Powerful. We are the home of America’s Favorite Boats, the world’s largest Mercury® outboard retailer and a proud retailer of TRACKER OFF ROAD™ ATVs and UTVs. Mercury Marine Outboard vs. MerCruiser Sterndrive Engines By Meghan O'Quinn November 9, 2020 10 mins read When members of the PartsVu community interested in Mercury Marine engines ask us which type of engine is best, we generally recommend that they first find the boat that fits their needs and the kinds of activities they like to do. Sterndrive motor boats are less stable than inboard motor boats. October 30, 2017. Now, potential buyers can better choose the boat configuration that meets the family’s needs and match that to their choice of power. We are looking at a boat with a 2002 Mercruiser 4.3 and Alpha 1 leg. This affords much better access to the water and better lounging. Sterndrive engines are a combination of inboard and outboard engines. These types of drive systems are found mostly in family runabout boats and cruisers because of their user friendly layout. Reliable. Typically, the initial purchase price of outboard power is greater than stern drives. The task is more difficult with a sterndrive and usually performed by a marine mechanic. The answer is confusing because there is no wrong answer. We offer the most-complete line of outboard power, for fishing boats and speed boats, for pontoons and tenders, for work and for play. Sterndrive engines use a marinized automotive engine … Mark Phelps. The growth in recreational boating has had a corresponding growth in popularity … Further, there is no engine to interfere with rear visibility. There was only one choice for ski competitions, which also influenced consumer buying, and that was a sterndrive. © 2021 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Fly Fishing the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia, Folly Beach & Kiawah to Edisto Islands Fishing Report For February – Capt John Ward, Charleston’s February Fishing Forecast By Capt. Let us help you and your family navigate the many choices available for your next family boat. Something really cool is coming! But I just may surprise you, so continue reading. Outboard Engines. If a lower up-front price and long-term maintenance costs are a priority, an outboard is worth considering. In a trailer boat environment, you can’t go wrong with either option provided that budget is not a concern. Understand that the purchase price will usually be lower for stern drives, but over time, they will cost more. The sleek lines of the boat without an outboard protruding from the transom made them eye appealing. What’s our verdict on the outboard vs sterndrive argument? A new 250-HP outboard is about $14,000 these days. So, the inboard option means less maintenance (nearly half) even though they cost … But there must be a right answer because you must choose between them. How To. Besides up-front costs, it’s also important to consider the price of maintenance for each type of engine. If a lower up-front price and long-term maintenance costs are a priority, an outboard is worth considering. Outboard vs Sterndrive Verdict. Difficult access means more expensive labor costs when routine maintenance or repairs are needed. How Long Do Each Last? Stern drive propulsion systems basically have a marinized automotive engine inside the boat with an out-drive on the outside of the boat. Because the engine portion is typically underneath a sun pad on the stern of the boat, stern drives have much better space utilization in the aft. Expensive maintenance and repair costs; Noisy; Diesel exhaust odor is more noticable and unpleasant than gas exhaust, most noticeable at low vessel speeds; The good old gas sterndrive is the most common method of powering pleaseurecraft below 30 feet long. There it sits in the showroom, ready to be all yours. Outboard engines, on the other hand, are outside the boat, making them easier to reach for repairs and giving you the ability to conduct most maintenance in or out of the water. What is a Sterndrive? The engine should be turned off in order to get into the tilt position in order to avoid damage to the universal joint. 843-744-2628, You may also like to read Choosing the right boat for you. Of course, our Tidewater center consoles are all outboard powered, but Bayliner and Regal both build family boats with your choice of outboard or stern drive power. Additionally, stern drive engines require winterization if a hard freeze is expected. In most applications, stern drive units are underneath the swim platform, providing better protection from the drive when jumping into the water or swimming around the boat. At some point, you’re going to think I am pro outboards for bowriders, because a bowrider with an outboard is going to be more cost effective when it comes to fuel consumption and maintenance. When waves and wind roughen the surface on wide-open lakes, it’s hard to beat a Deep V aluminum boat. Which marine engine is best for you? Fewer moving parts also makes the four stroke easier to maintain and less expensive to repair. Outboard, no stern drive, no wait, it all depends…. Maintenance wise, both stern drives and the new higher horse power engines are similar. Top-end speeds are impressive as well. Follow us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news! Compared to older two stroke outboards the four stroke is lighter in weight, which improves fuel economy. What gives? Jim Duncan / Duncan’s Boats By Jeff Hemmel. You have just decided to buy a new TAHOE sport boat. Outboard Maintenance Cost: Inboards: Average $200-$500 per engine in parts. 4-Stroke Outboards: Average $300-$1000 per engine in parts. A sterndrive mounts in a compartment at the rear of the boat. Winterization. Another benefit of stern drive power is safety. On the flip side, you get a great holeshot from a performance-designed outboard. Konrad stern drives are designed to exceed the reliability and performance requirements of even the most demanding military operations. Learn the importance of oils and lubricants in basic engine maintenance. While it is true that any engine dealer outboard or sterndrive can do the required maintenance on the engine, they cannot complete any warranty service on the boat. This provides advantages for fishermen who need to get in shallow waters in search of baitfish, or to the homeowner who has to navigate very shallow waters to get into the neighborhood tidal creek. So Here Are Your General Numbers for Inboard Vs. Also, there are no bellows, internal shift cables, gimbal bearings, or … The tilt is made possible due to a component known as a universal joint. Thank You, we'll be in touch soon. Four strokes are quieter, idle smoother, pollute less and are very reliable. The reality is there are differences in the power options, and those are reasons why TAHOE gives you options. Better/worse economy? Getting started in saltwater fly fishing can seem like an overwhelming task, but it is really uncomplicated. Those are examples of how to decide between sterndrives and outboards. Whether you’re shopping for a new boat or ATV, looking for parts or service, want to stock up on gear or just want advice, we have you covered. Operating a PWC Responsibly. Outboard engines are also much more DIY-friendly. With a sterndrive, you don’t have such options, making these boats more seasonal. There is little difference from the console forward to the bow in either power option. Advantage of a Sterndrive Powered Bowrider. The decision comes down to how long you plan to keep the boat. You can pick up your area’s local edition at over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores. Furthermore, stern drive engines will require exhaust manifolds, usually in 5-7 years in a salt water environment. In the boat industry in general, there is an undoubted trend in outboard powered boats of all kinds, including performance boats. I am no expert but it looks like you could spend about $3,000 in parts buy "rebuilt" devices for either side of the transom. The combustion process works similar to an automotive engine. Safety is another hot topic in the sterndrive vs inboard debate. There is no wasted space with outboard splash wells. Recreational. When a stern drive is tilted, the engine remains in position. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. Sterndrive Replacement is a company unlike any other in the sale of aftermarket MerCruiser's Sterndrive , Alpha One Generation 1, Alpha One Generation 2, Bravo 1, our stern drive designed to replace Mercury Marine's Mercruiser®, Alpha One®, R, MR, Gen 2 … Boats which use a sterndrive motor are steered by turning the outdrive, which eliminates the need for a rudder. Latest. On the flip side, you lose space on the back of the boat but gain cockpit space for storage or seating with an outboard model. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-800-227-7776 for assistance. You get much of the same longevity with the automotive engine dependability of a sterndrive. Outboards are the primary choice for fishing boats and certainly are the most popular choice for boats in the Lowcountry. the engines are usually lighter so you get more bang for the horsepower, the outboards are outside the transom, rather than taking up expensive floor space. All it takes is removing the cowling for repairs and maintenance. For lounging, sunning and enjoying watersports, there is much to like about sterndrive layouts. New to boating and want more insight into the sport? Those are examples of how to decide between sterndrives and outboards. . An even better idea is talking to another boater with expertise in both power options. The motor is visible and easy to access. If you want to beach the boat for picnicking or exploring, the engine will need to be trimmed up. Replacing Boat Motorwell Drains. What is more, tilting the outboard when not in use allows water to drain out. Now comes the perplexing decision of choosing between sterndrive or outboard power. You can find that expert at any Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Boating Center. There is more interior space inside the cockpit without the engine compartment in the way. All rights reserved. As for replacement costs of sterndrive propulsion, there are two big parts: the engine and the outdrive. Better ride for the boat? Most family boat manufacturers have added outboard power options to their lineups as well, bringing more options to local boaters than just center consoles. Reaching some parts requires removing either the engine or outdrive, which takes more skill and knowledge, along with money. The boot and outdrive systems, in particular, tend to require a lot more attention than simpler drive units. Let’s do a comparison using a 15 year old 32ft boat as an example. Many people considering the purchase of a new boat often ask about the differences between outboard and stern drive (or inboard/outboard) propulsion. As an added benefit, the extra padding around the stern drive engine reduces noise, providing a more comfortable ride in a stern drive boat. March 9, 2018 Many express cruiser style power boats offer both sterndrive inboard outboard (IO) and inboard (direct drive or V-drive) engine propulsion system options. Which is better? In addition, we’re also here for your repower needs. Need info on fishing with kids? As the name implies, outboards are mounted high and outside of the transom. Manufacturers of outboard motors and MerCruiser inboard engines, ... We build Mercury MerCruiser® Sterndrive engines and drives to power your life on the water. Outboard and sterndrive go head-to-head using a Glastron GTD 200 and GTD 205. If entertaining family and friends and enjoying watersports is your goal, a sterndrive is hard to beat. Or, if you prefer digital, our magazines are also available as a, 126-C North Atlantic Ave.| Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | 321.777.2773 |, Trout Fishing in Blue Ridge GA. It’s the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia! On the other hand, many outboard models offer spacious lazarette storage and manufacturers have designed ways to enhance the swim platform area. Inboard motors generally last longer than their outboard counterparts. How To. Mercury Outboards – Durable. We have covered it in many articles including one called “Offshore Resurgence,” where some traditional sterndrive models were converted to outboard models by the manufacturer.You see these conversions in restorations quite often too. Wide sunpads over the engine compartment and swim platforms extending across the transom are obvious. More boats have outboard engines than inboard, especially for their ease of use and low maintenance cost. Alternatively, outboard engines are outside the boat, making them easier to reach for repairs and giving you the ability to conduct most …

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