If one had an inboard engine with a straight prop would anyone be inclined to get rid of that and put a stern drive on? what are the draw back of the straight shaft?
Inboards and shallow water don't get along very well at all. That's their main drawback. Performance isn't much of an issue, but slow speed docking is easier with a sterndrive. But don't think of putting a sterndrive on your inboard. The hull configuration isn't designed for it, the support for the engine isn't likely to exist, and the transom isn't strong enough for it.
The transom for an outdrive has to be between 1-3/4" and 2-1/4" thick. Flat within 1/8" and parallel surfaces from the inside of the transom to the outside within 1/8". It also has to be a minimum of 12? angle or the engine angle will be all wrong, along with the trim.
If you have a boat with an IO, stick with an IO
If you have a boat with an inboard, stick with an inboard
If you have a boat with an outboard stick with an outboard.
Don't try to re-invent the wheel........ They are all designed differently.
I thought many times of converting an I/O to straight inboard never the other way around. There are many I/O boats to be had in the 20 to 25 foot range but few true inboards. I love inboards.
If one had an inboard engine with a straight prop would anyone be inclined to get rid of that and put a stern drive on? what are the draw back of the straight shaft?
