Here's my thoughts..... please correct me if your thoughts differ!
V-drives
pros - more cabin room than inboards, slightly less than inboard/outdrives
simpler (cheaper to maintain, less to break) than outdrives
con - same depth required as inboards
outdrives
pros - more manuverability
can get into shallower areas by trimming up the drive
con - cost to repair or maintain (bellows, u-joint, etc)
usually all aluminum, so be VERY carefull of corrosion
inboards
pro - simplist drive system (lower overall cost), and means more reliable?
con - usually need more draft than outdrives
takes more cabin room than v-drive or outdrive
Is there a normal "hours" limit to an outdrive?? Will an outdrive last as long or longer than the engine?
I'm GUESSING that the inefficiency of the outdrive gearing (two 90's), is offset by the better ability to trim the prop, so the overall efficiency of an outdrive compared to a v-drive or inboard is very similar... but is that true... does anyone have a good data or links where they are compared on an efficiency (MPG) basis?
V-drives
pros - more cabin room than inboards, slightly less than inboard/outdrives
simpler (cheaper to maintain, less to break) than outdrives
con - same depth required as inboards
outdrives
pros - more manuverability
can get into shallower areas by trimming up the drive
con - cost to repair or maintain (bellows, u-joint, etc)
usually all aluminum, so be VERY carefull of corrosion
inboards
pro - simplist drive system (lower overall cost), and means more reliable?
con - usually need more draft than outdrives
takes more cabin room than v-drive or outdrive
Is there a normal "hours" limit to an outdrive?? Will an outdrive last as long or longer than the engine?
I'm GUESSING that the inefficiency of the outdrive gearing (two 90's), is offset by the better ability to trim the prop, so the overall efficiency of an outdrive compared to a v-drive or inboard is very similar... but is that true... does anyone have a good data or links where they are compared on an efficiency (MPG) basis?