Are sterndrive boats good?

The advantages to a sterndrive are the vessel design and ability to offer larger horsepower options. With a lot of fishing boats, the rear deck space and access is important. For those looking to do water sport, it can be beneficial having a rear swim platform without a motor protruding in the middle.

Are stern drives reliable?

The biggest down-sides to having a stern drive usually boil down to reliability, and maintenance costs. Due to the additional moving parts there are more potential failure points than there are on either outboard or inboard boats.

Which is better sterndrive or inboard?

Sterndrives will go faster than an inboard with the same horsepower and even use less fuel. On the other hand, inboards will hold a speed more easily than a sterndrive. Sterndrive's put out great wakes for wakeboarding; inboards create flat wakes for waterskiing.

How long will a stern drive last?

It's also common to expect between 10-15 years out of a well-used sterndrive and transom assembly, and then it's a matter of continual repairs or replacing it once and for all. Sterndrives are a faster and more efficient design, as they are mounted to the rear and produce less drag.

How many hours does a sterndrive last?

It should last at least 2000 hours before it needs a major rebuild if it is properly maintained.

Is 500 hours a lot for a boat?

500 hours on a boat is not a lot. In fact, 500 hours is a sweet spot to buy/sell a boat. If the boat is used around 30-100 hours each year, a boat with 500-hours is a good pick because 30-100 hours each year imply the owner probably would have done annual maintenance; otherwise, the boat couldn't get that long.

Are 4.3 Mercruiser a good engine?

THE TRADE-A-BOAT VERDICT

Perfect for pottering around waterways. The MerCruiser 4.3L MPI makes good economic sense in infrequently used sportscruisers. The exhaust note is nowhere near as satisfying as a V8 but under load the V6 noise ain't half bad!

Are V drives better than outdrives?

A V-drive is more efficient in delivering horsepower to the prop, losing only 8 percent, while a sterndrive loses 13 percent. Yet, all other things being equal, a sterndrive is faster and more fuel-efficient.

How much does a new stern drive cost?

A new replacement Alpha One Gen II drive retails for $5,825, while a Bravo Three retails for $9,114. These prices are for complete (upper and lower) drive assemblies, but do not include shipping or installation costs.

What is sterndrive boat?

A sterndrive is a marine propulsion system that is attached to a sterndrive, also known as an outdrive. The drive unit is both the transmission and propulsion. When the captain turns the steering wheel, the entire drive turns. No rudder is needed.

Is sterndrive the same as inboard outboard?

Outboards provide more room in the boat because they are installed on the transom, outside the boat. A sterndrive combines inboard power with outboard drive. The engine sits just forward of the transom while the drive unit (outdrive or drive leg) lies outside the hull.

Are outboards better for salt water?

In 2020, all outboard motors will function equally well in freshwater or saltwater.

Are inboard motors safer?

It is true that you can tow a wakeboard behind a variety of different boats with the right equipment, but before you delve into safety tips there is one important thing every boat driver who plans to tow a rider should know: Inboard boats are the safest style of boat for pulling a rider.

Is sterndrive better than outboard?

Both options offer a similar amount of reliability at the same age, provided correct maintenance protocols have been adhered to. Sterndrives cost more to maintain, but they offer more access to the rear of the boat. On the other hand, outboards are slightly cheaper to maintain.

Is Mercruiser a good engine?

The main reason boaters select Mercruiser is the engine's reliability. Using an engine you can count on throughout your ownership is a big perk. Boaters also appreciate the Mercruiser's fuel efficiency and performance.

Are stern drives good in saltwater?

Not many people talk about that, but it just shows the technology in the sterndrive market.” Technology has also improved corrosion protection – especially in the saltwater environment – for sterndrives.

What is the difference between sterndrive and V drive?

Sterndrives (or outdrives) have long proven popular, as they are incredibly versatile and keep a clean, obstruction-free transom. V-Drives are a twist on the traditional “ski boat” inboard, and boast a hardcore wake sports heritage without the cockpit-clogging mid-engine.

How does a stern drive work on a boat?

A stern-drive engine is attached through the transom to a drive unit (also called an "outdrive") that is essentially the lower unit of an outboard. The engine turns a drive shaft that is attached to a propeller at the other end.

How do you clean a stern drive?

Put latex gloves and safety glasses on, apply to outdrive, spread around with your hands, let sit for 5 mins, scrub with brush, rinse with water. You will be amazed at the results.

Do V-drive boats have transmissions?

In a "V-drive" boat, the engine is mounted in the rear of the boat and the front of the engine faces aft. Connected to the rear of the engine is the transmission. The first drive shaft connects the rear of the transmission to a gearbox mounted in the center of the boat.

How much HP can AV drive handle?

V-drives can certainly handle the power, 2000 hp or more (used in top fuel drag boats), and the drives system parts cost less than a Bravo XR. Speed capability is not a problem. They run them to up to 260 mph.

What is a Walter V-drive?

Walter V-Drives are precision gear drives which allow inboard engines to be placed in the stern (rear) of a boat. Advantages include: Greater safety (with propeller tucked under the boat, not under swim platform) Improved handling, reduced drag and bow rise. Shallower draft.

Will a 4.3 MerCruiser pull a skier?

My cousin had a 19' Searay with a 4.3 in it, and it pulled great! We got 4 skiers up at one time. It was hard, but we did it! 2 of us were 200+ lbs at the time, too.

How long will a 4.3 MerCruiser last?

The average life for raw water cooled engines is 1,000-1,500 hours or less depending on how often they are used and how well they have been maintained.

What is the top speed of a 4.3 MerCruiser?

Our test boat had the base level power of a MerCruiser 4.3lt V6, which is a carburetted engine rated at 142kW/190hp fitted to an Alpha drive unit. That gave plenty of get up and go, with a 75.7km/h top speed.