Drive units

[Ilboy217]

Question. I'm kinda new to the inboard thing. Why would someone have the drive shafts and props plus have out drives?

[RGrew176]

I have never seen a boat with both I/O's (outdrives) and inboards. If you have I certainly would like to see a picture of such a boat.

[Ramsport47]

They wouldn't have both. Their boat is one or the other, and they may not know which it is. That sounds weird, but working at a marina for 35 years, it amazes me how many people don't know what powers their boats. When looking up parts, it is not uncommon for me to ask them "what color is your engine?" or "is the prop below or behind the boat?". The response is usually..."it's a Chevy engine...I need parts for a Chevy engine". Me: "They are all Chevy engines and the parts vary as to who made it the marine engine. Now, do you want me to guess, or would you go find out for me?" LOL

[Ramsport47]

Sorry,that was a bit of a rant....

[Viper]

Now that would be a new one for me but just when I think I've seen it all, something makes me scratch my head. Nothing surprises me anymore! Other than those rare times, it usually does boil down to misinformation.

Kenny, I know exactly what you mean about owners not knowing much about the hardware they have. Considering a vessel is something you put yours and your family's life in it's hands every time you head out, I find not familiarizing yourself with a basic knowledge of it's inner workings a little difficult to understand. I've ran into people that haven't so much as opened the hatch to their engine compartment. I understand that some folks just don't have a DIY bone in their body and pay others to do it all for them but wouldn't one at least feel the need to know what's down there and whether it's clean?

And that's MY rant for the day

[SplashyLady]

Ilboy217 wrote:
> Question. I'm kinda new to the inboard thing. Why would someone have the drive shafts
> and props plus have out drives?

Sometimes it can be a long way from the engine to the outdrive, so some boats put a driveshaft in to make up the difference from the engine output to the outdrive input. Putting the engine all the way stern makes some boats aft-heavy, so the boat builder will move the engine forward to correct the center of gravity. Then you must have a driveshaft if you want to run outdrives.

[Viper]

I thought of that too John but given that the OP mentions "drive shafts and props", I gotta think that he's referring to inboard running gear. Maybe we'll get an update and some clarification.