If you haven't already read all the debates about which is better, inboards or stern drives, do a quick search and find hours of entertainment. There is a lot of discussion about corrosion and maintenance.
Four seasons ago, I got into big boating with a 2007 290DA with twin Bravo III stern drives. Loved them. I upgraded in 2009 to my current 330DA with twin Sea Core BIII's. After 3 seasons, love them. Great mileage, cruising speed, corrosion resistance, maneuverability, and engine room access.
And now this...
I hit a six foot long 4x4 going 27 knots. There was a big bang and the engines reved to redline. I throttled back to neutral the instant of the hit. The engines did not stall. I checked the engine room and there was no water. I lifted the drives fully expecting no props, but they were there and seemingly untouched. I circled around, took the pictures of the log I cleaved in two, tested the throttles and reverse on both engines. Everything was smooth. I moved along at no wake speed then brought it right up on plan and headed back to the dock. There was no vibration. Further inspection found not even a scratch on the props. There has been no loss of any fluids and no water in the bilge.
So, add to the virtues of a BIII drive that it is like a 17,000# sledgehammer that smashes waterlogged 4x4s in half. I am certain that if I hit that with an inboard, I would have lost a prop, shaft, and/or rudder.
Four seasons ago, I got into big boating with a 2007 290DA with twin Bravo III stern drives. Loved them. I upgraded in 2009 to my current 330DA with twin Sea Core BIII's. After 3 seasons, love them. Great mileage, cruising speed, corrosion resistance, maneuverability, and engine room access.
And now this...
I hit a six foot long 4x4 going 27 knots. There was a big bang and the engines reved to redline. I throttled back to neutral the instant of the hit. The engines did not stall. I checked the engine room and there was no water. I lifted the drives fully expecting no props, but they were there and seemingly untouched. I circled around, took the pictures of the log I cleaved in two, tested the throttles and reverse on both engines. Everything was smooth. I moved along at no wake speed then brought it right up on plan and headed back to the dock. There was no vibration. Further inspection found not even a scratch on the props. There has been no loss of any fluids and no water in the bilge.
So, add to the virtues of a BIII drive that it is like a 17,000# sledgehammer that smashes waterlogged 4x4s in half. I am certain that if I hit that with an inboard, I would have lost a prop, shaft, and/or rudder.