Marine Inboard and Outdrive Manuals

Download: OEM Inboard/Outdrive Owner/Service/Repair Literature in pdf format

Inboard Characteristics

Inboards come with a variety of mechanical features including their fuel (Gas, Diesel, Electric) along with the type of drive system i.e. Inboard/Outdrive (IO), Direct Drive, V-Drive, Pod Transmission Drive, Jet Drive and Paddle Wheel. Additionally, multi engine boats may include counter-rotating propellers for larger vessels to enhance control and performance.

Outdrive Characteristics

Inboard drive systems offer an expanding variable of unit propulsion types including Propeller, Jet Drive, Paddle Wheel etc. with many different outdrive unit labels by different manufacturers (Outdrive, Sterndrive, Jet Drive, Pod Drive) which may make your choice a bit more challenging.

Pros and Cons of IO Systems

• More usable space in back of boat, seating, sun platform, swim platform etc.
• The motor is hidden out of the way of onboard activity
• Generally improves performance due to weight distribution positioning
• Some inboard/outboard vessels may be more budget-friendly than outboards
• May offer through hull exhaust for performance or through prop exhaust for noise control
• Outdrives are generally very durable but a bit more challenging to work on while attached
• Props pose a risk to swimmers and surfers especially while engine is running
• Operating sterndrives require caution of prop depth in unfamiliar waters