Whats the Difference Between Inboard, Outboard, and Sterndrive?

Inboard, outboard and sterndrive boats. What’s the difference?

Boats use a wide variety of propulsion systems to get through the water. The terminology surrounding drive types can be confusing. Even certain drive types have subvariants that offer advantages and disadvantages depending on the activities you like to do with your boat. Some drive types are better suited for water sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing, while others allow boaters to access shallow water for fishing. Continue reading to learn about the uses, advantages, and disadvantages of inboard, outboard, and sterndrive boat propulsion.

 

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Inboard boats

Inboard propulsion systems are extremely popular in watersport boats due to the small, clean wake created by the position of the propeller underwater. They are also easier to repair and service when compared to sterndrives and outboards. Inboard setups have two variations, the direct drive, and the V-drive.

Boats using a direct drive inboard have their engine positioned in the center of the boat with a drive shaft running straight to the propeller positioned underneath the boat in the rear. On smaller boats, it is easy to see the location of the engine compartment in the center of the passenger area.

 

V-Drive-vs-Direct-Drive-Boat

Direct Drive

Boats using a direct drive inboard have their engine positioned in the center of the boat with a drive shaft running straight to the propeller positioned underneath the boat in the rear. On smaller boats, it is easy to see the location of the engine compartment in the center of the passenger area.

 

Advantages of direct drives

  • Very little power loss when compared to a V-drive
  • Extremely accessible engine, making repairs and service easy
  • Better weight distribution making it easier to get the boat on plane

Disadvantages of direct drives

  • Engine location takes up space in the center of the boat, resulting in less seating space than V-drive setups.
  • Inability to adjust the trim

V-Drive

A V-drive setup places the engine in the rear of the boat behind the transom. The engine is placed backward when compared to the direct drive, with the driveshaft first exiting toward the front of the boat then quickly turning and angling down and back toward the stern.

 

Advantages of V-drive inboards

  • Free space in the center of the boat.
  • Creates a platform on the stern of the boat making fishing and other activities easier.
  • Small wake is ideal for water skiing and other water sports

Disadvantages of V-drive inboards

  • The position of the engine against the rear can make repairs and service difficult
  • The V angle of the drive shaft results in a bigger power loss than direct drives
  • Inability to adjust the trim

 

Inboard-mastercraft-boat

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.

Sterndrive-graphic

 

Advantages of stern drives:

  • The ability to trim the lower unit like an outboard motor
  • A larger, more powerful inboard engine that will outperform outboard motors.
  • The engine is at the stern allows for more seating space and provides a larger rear platform

Disadvantages of stern drives

  • Continuous exposure to water can damage the lower unit

Mercury-lower-unit

Outboard boats

Outboard engines consist of an all-in-one unit positioned on the rear of the boat. Larger boats can use multiple outboard units together to generate more power. Outboard motors offer several advantages that inboards and sterndrives cannot.

Outboard-vector

Advantages of outboards

  • Lightweight.
  • Outboards can be lifted completely out of the water, allowing access to shallow areas other boats cannot get to.
  • Very easy to work on as the entire engine is exposed and out of the water.
  • Outboard motors do not require the same level of winterization

Disadvantages of outboards

  • Lacks the power and torque seen in inboards and stern drives (the gap is closing, modern outboards can be quite powerful, and more than one can be used simultaneously)
  • Noisier than the alternatives due to the engine being exposed.
  • Older 2-stroke outboards are being banned due to emissions.

Outboard-motor

Which drive is the best?

Ultimately, the choice between an inboard, outboard, or stern drive comes down to personal preference, the activities you do with your boat. Avid fisherman may find the maneuverability and low weight of an outboard motor the most ideal. A water skier may look to an inboard set up to take advantage of a larger engine and small wake. Someone looking for a bit of versatility may consider a sterndrive to take advantage of some of the benefits offered by both inboards and outboard. Other factors like family size and boat size may contribute to the choice, as a direct drive inboard engine can take up a lot of space in the boat.

 

 

Contact Matson Point S 

Regardless of the drive on your boat, Matson Point S Tire and Auto has trained technicians who will help you maintain or repair your boat and keep you out on the water. Schedule an appointment or come visit us!

 

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