Which MerCruiser outdrive is best?

Which MerCruiser outdrive is best?

With over 20 MerCruiser sterndrive systems to choose from, the Bravo Series and Alpha One outdrives clearly stand out as the top choices for boaters. The power of a sterndrive vs inboard engine on a boat can not be matched when it comes to MerCruiser outdrives.

What is better sterndrive or outboard?

If you want a transom for water play, the smart move is to get the sterndrive. If you want better corrosion resistance and easier maintenance, plus drives that can be trimmed clear of the water, go for the outboards. It’s your call, and with the Aviara AV32, either choice is a winner.

What is the best engine to have on a boat?

Best Outboard Engines

  • Suzuki DF25. Above: Hour upon hour of testing has proven the reliability and easy starting of the DF25.
  • Yamaha F25. You’ve gotta love where an engine like the Yamaha F25 can take you.
  • Mercury 75/90/115.
  • Torqeedo Deep Blue.
  • Suzuki DF90.
  • Yamaha V-Max SHO 115.
  • Evinrude ETEC G2.
  • Yamaha F250.

Are stern drives any good?

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.

Is Alpha or Bravo better?

Bravo One drives were built to handle more power than an Alpha One. When used for lower horsepower applications, they are practically bulletproof. Second, the Bravo One shifts better because it uses a cone-style clutch in its upper housing.

What is the difference between alpha 1 and Gen 2?

The Alpha Gen II upper and lower housings are fastened together with two through bolts on either side of the drive along with the front and rear bolts, while the Gen 1 drives use one stud visible on either side. Alpha Ones have two studs under the ventilation plate just above the prop.

Is it better to have an inboard or outboard motor?

Inboard motors generally last longer than their outboard counterparts. You can squeeze roughly 1,500 hours out of an inboard before necessary maintenance. Outboards, on the other hand, last about 750 hours on average. So, the inboard option means less maintenance (nearly half) even though they cost more initially.

What is more efficient inboard or outboard?

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. An outboard is self-draining and many owners can accomplish their own off-season service.

What is the most reliable marine engine?

Here is our list of some of the best marine diesel engines from top manufacturers.

  • Caterpillar C8.
  • Caterpillar C12.9 Marine Diesel Engine.
  • Caterpillar C18 Marine Diesel Engine.
  • Caterpillar C32 Marine Diesel Engine.
  • Cummins QSB 6.7 Marine Diesel Engine.
  • Cummins QSC 8.3 Marine Diesel Engine.
  • Cummins QSL 9 Marine Diesel Engine.

Which is better 2 stroke or 4 stroke outboard motor?

The fuel efficiency of a 4-stroke motor can be 50% better than that of a 2-stroke motor with the same HP. As for environmental concerns, 4 stroke outboards produce far less harmful emissions, which can be as much as 90% cleaner than those from a similar sized 2-stroke motor.

How long does 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.

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. So you can have a successful sterndrive experience in saltwater.” All of those things sound good.

What kind of engine does a sterndrive have?

It consisted of a lightweight car engine and a lower outboard unit — what we know today as the modern sterndrive. To use this new design in his boat racing, he had to get the American Power Boat Association (APBA) to recognize and approve it as an outboard motor.

What’s the difference between a stern drive and inboard motor?

A sterndrive motor is a motor that is attached outside the back of the boat. Unlike inboard motors, sterndrive motors include and the transmission in them the motor. Aside from that, boats with sterndrive motors are maneuvered with the entire drive turning in the desired direction.

Are there any advantages to having a stern drive engine?

A stern drive runabout like this Glastron GTS gains some of the advantages of both inboard and outboard power systems. Of course, no marine propulsion system is perfect. The biggest down-sides to having a stern drive usually boil down to reliability, and maintenance costs.

Who are the major manufacturers of stern drive boats?

There’s a rich history behind stern drives and there are a million and one stern drive boats on the water, yet there are just two big players in today’s market: MerCruiser and Volvo Penta .