As a general rule of thumb, sterndrives that are moored in salt-water are the most expensive propulsion type to maintain when compared to shaft drives and outboards. This is due to the additional moving parts, limited access and regular cleaning and maintenance required.
Can you keep a stern drive in the water?
To keep water from entering the exhaust hub when storing your sterndrive, leave it in the "down" position or use a waterproof cover.
Are stern drives reliable?
Are sterndrives reliable? Yes, provided correct maintenance procedures have been carried out at the required intervals. Sterndrives on trailer boat applications are more reliable than permanently moored sterndrives.
Can you run a Mercruiser in saltwater?
Many people run I/O set ups in salt. I ran a mercruiser stern drive in salt water for many years. Some of the years it was on a trailer, but for many it was tied up at the dock from May to October. Other than bottom paint for the boat, I would also use anti-fouling paint for the outdrive.
Which is better stern or V drive?
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.
43 related questions foundIs sterndrive the same as inboard?
Sterndrives draw less when slightly tilted up. 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 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.
Is saltwater bad for boats?
Saltwater is not good for boats because it corrodes the boat forming rust on the metal surfaces of the boat. Saltwater corrodes metal 5 times faster than freshwater. So, you need to be careful while boating in saltwater. Humid ocean air causes the metal to corrode 10 times faster than air with normal humidity.
Can I put a freshwater boat in saltwater?
The short answer is yes; you can use a freshwater boat in saltwater and vice versa. Of course, there are a few things to consider before jumping into a different pond, so to speak. Because freshwater boats aren't designed to resist corrosion, you'll have to really clean your boat after each use.
Can any boat motor go in saltwater?
Can Any Outboard Motor Be Used in Saltwater? In 2020, all outboard motors will function equally well in freshwater or saltwater. Therefore, any outboard motor can be used in saltwater.
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 Mercury and Mercruiser the same?
At present, Mercury product brands include Mercury, Mercury Racing, MerCruiser, and Mariner outboards (sold outside the U.S.).
What is stern drive on a boat?
A sterndrive or inboard/outboard drive (I/O) is a form of marine propulsion which 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.
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 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.
Does a boat go faster in saltwater?
No, boats go faster in freshwater because it is less dense. Boats will go about 1-2% slower in saltwater because there is more resistance caused by salt particles. The only exception to this is frozen water. The freezing point of freshwater is higher than saltwater, and therefore, so is the density.
Is inboard or outboard better in saltwater?
Inboard engine boats are better suited for performing water sports. As well as powering large vessels that require a lot of horsepower to move the boat. Outboard engine boats are better suited for shallow water, salt water, and pontoon boats.
What are good saltwater boats?
9 Best Ocean Boats
- Cabin Cruisers.
- Center Consoles.
- High-Performance Boats.
- Motor Yachts/Power Cruisers.
- Multi-Hull Powerboats (Catamarans)
- Sailboats.
- Sportfishing Yachts.
- Trawlers.
What does salt water do to boat engine?
Grease the Components:
The moving components of an outboard engine come from the factory with a dense coating of grease to keep them lubricated and running smoothly. Over time, saltwater depletes this grease coating and leaves the moving parts vulnerable to friction and damage.
How can you tell if a boat has been in salt water?
If you use an engine with raw water cooling in saltwater, be sure to flush it with freshwater after use. How to tell if a boat has been in salt water? Look under the exhaust flaps for rust. Rust is the best indicator for saltwater use.
Are inboard motors bad for saltwater?
It doesn't matter what propels your boat — inboard, outboard, I/O, jet drive — nothing on your boat that comes in contact with saltwater is immune to its corrosive powers. Different propulsion systems may be attacked in different spots, but your power plant needs protection.
Is stern drive inboard?
Sterndrive boats
A sterndrive is an arrangement that combines the elements of inboard and outboard systems. For this reason, sterndrives are also referred to as inboard/outboards. Sterndrives employ an inboard engine, often a marinized automotive engine, and drive the boat via a lower unit similar to outboard motors.
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.
What is a MerCruiser sterndrive?
MerCruiser Sterndrive or Inboard-Outboard Engines (IOs)
A MerCruiser sterndrive is essentially a car or truck style engine mounted inside the boat, lower in the hull. The engine is then connected through the transom, or back of the boat, to an outdrive unit that hangs down below the boat's bottom.
