This is why it’s important for boat owners to raise their motors when traveling through shallow waters. Damage can occur from hitting rocks and other objects, or it may occur from corrosion. With all of the hoses, bellows and oil lines directly exposed in the water, there’s a greater risk of damage. The main disadvantage of sterndrive motors is their susceptibility to damage. This is a huge advantage for individuals and families who take their boat out to the lake on a regular basis. Dollar for your dollar, you’ll get more miles out of a sterndrive motor than an outboard motor. One of the advantages of choosing a sterndrive motor is its fuel efficiency. When loaded on a trailer, the outdrive is simply pulled out to avoid damage. Boats which use a sterndrive motor are steered by turning the outdrive, which eliminates the need for a rudder. The actual engine rests directly in front of the transom, and the drive unit is outside the hull. If you’re struggling to choose between a sterndrive and outboard motor, keep reading to learn some of the distinguishable characteristics between these two styles.Ī sterndrive motor offers the power of an inboard motor with the drive of an outboard. They both offer powerful and efficient methods of propulsion for watercraft of all sizes. The sterndrive engine is heavier than a jet engine, and takes up more space in the boat.Thinking about purchasing a new motor for your boat? Sterndrive (also known as inboard/outboard) and outboard are two of the most popular styles of boat motors.A jet drive is self-draining and does not require this step. The steering and trim use hydraulic systems that may require lubrication and maintenance, and in cold climates the engine should be “winterized” with an antifreeze solution to prevent the block from cracking in freezing weather. A sterndrive also requires more maintenance than a jet drive. The propeller can also be a hazard to swimmers behind the boat.Because it extends below the keel of the boat, the outdrive and its propeller are susceptible to damage if they impact the bottom or an obstruction in the water, like a rock or tree stump lurking just below the surface.The drive can also be trimmed-which changes the thrust angle of the prop-to help lift the boat on plane from a start and then to raise the bow at speed to achieve a smooth ride and reduce drag, improving top speed and efficiency.The outdrive has a rudder effect to help the boat track true at all speeds and propeller offers very efficient power transfer from the engine to the water.Because a jet drive does not have the rudder effect offered by a sterndrive it may not track as well at no-wake speeds and can be trickier to handle around a dock.Ī sterndrive system mates a V6 or V8 engine located inside the boat with a steerable outdrive and propeller attached to the boat transom (a sterndrive is also often called an inboard/outboard, or I/ O).Ĭommon Features & Advantages of Sterndrives.
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