What Is A Stern Drive

What’s the difference between sterndrive and inboard?

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. An inboard is a marine propulsion system that is enclosed within the hull of the boat — it is usually connected to a propulsion screw by a driveshaft.

Is sterndrive better than outboard?

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. They also offer better economy due to being a lighter package, and have more space inside the boat.

How does a stern drive work?

When you power up your engine and pull away from the dock, you set in motion a lot of activity at the stern of your boat. You push the throttle, engaging the prop. Power from your engine is transferred to the sterndrive via the drive shaft. Exhaust is pushed from the engine and exits at your prop.

What is a stern drive boat engine?

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.

What is a V-drive boat?

V-drive is a propulsion system for boats that consists of two drive shafts, a gearbox, and a propeller. In a “V-drive” boat, the engine is mounted in the rear of the boat and the front of the engine faces aft. The first drive shaft connects the rear of the transmission to a gearbox mounted in the center of the boat.

Is an inboard or outboard better?

Inboard vs. Because it will usually weigh less and be a more-efficient design, an outboard motor will typically deliver better fuel economy than a sterndrive. However, most sterndrives can not be tilted completely out of the water, while most outboards can clear the water when tilted all the way up.

What is the difference between an outdrive and a sterndrive?

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.

Can you beach a stern drive boat?

If you just beach your boat stern out, it does not take much wave action or tide change to leave you stuck and in a real mess.

How long do stern drives 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.

What is the difference between inboard and I O?

A true inboard is fully inside a boat and an I/O has components within and outside of the boat. A true inboard is less common. True inboard motors will be found on boats designed for skiing as they produce less wake and drive much smoother.

Are Volvo Penta and MerCruiser engines the same?

The foundation of the Mercruiser and Volvo Penta have remained the same over time, beginning with the skeleton of an auto engine and then making changes to repurpose it for the boating industry — what’s known as “marinizing.” While the automotive and boating industries do share some similar fundamental needs, relying Jan 19, 2022.

How does a MerCruiser work?

MerCruiser engines may also be equipped with a closed cooling system. This cooling system is divided in two separate sub-systems: one uses seawater and the other uses coolant (called “fresh water”). Water from outside the boat is drawn into the system by a pump in the stern drive on inline engine models.

Is AV drive an inboard?

A V-drive and a direct drive are both inboard propulsion systems, which means the engine drives a propshaft that passes through the boat bottom, with the propeller positioned under the boat and steering accomplished by a rudder.

What is an inboard boat?

An inboard is a four-stroke automotive engine adapted for marine use. Inboard engines are mounted inside the hull’s midsection or in front of the transom. Steering of most inboard vessels, except PWC and jet-drive boats, is controlled by a rudder behind the propeller.

What is a velvet drive?

Velvet Drive Transmissions is a leading manufacturer of marine and industrial transmissions. Our extensive range of transmissions are used in boats and off highway vehicles of some of the world’s best known manufacturers.

Is a pontoon an inboard or outboard?

Pontoon boats, in the main use outboard motors, but you will see some for sale which do actually use an inboard motor. Most of the time, though, it will be an outboard motor.

What’s more expensive inboard or outboard?

Cost Comparison Inboard motors generally last longer than their outboard counterparts. So, the inboard option means less maintenance (nearly half) even though they cost more initially. Keep in mind that inboard motors also require better insurance.