When you're ready to make a boat buying decision, TAHOE gives you a choice between Mercury^® outboard (OB) and MerCruiser^® sterndrive power—also called inboard/outboard (I/O) power. Each power type has its own benefits and favorite applications.

Let's start with a brief description of the two power options.

An outboard is a specialized marine engine that uses components designed for marine use alone. It bolts or clamps to the boat's transom and turns to provide steering.

A sterndrive (or inboard/outboard) typically uses a marine-adapted automotive engine just inside the hull at the transom. It drives a mechanism that looks and operates similar to the lower unit and steering operation of an outboard. Because the drive unit projects from the stern, it’s called a sterndrive. Since the sterndrive combines the components of an inboard-type engine with an outboard-type drive, it’s also called inboard/outboard or I/O.

(NOTE: An I/O should not be confused with an "inboard" setup. A true inboard engine is typically mounted mid-ship with a fixed drive shaft and propeller, angled through the bottom of the hull well forward of the transom. A separate rudder does the steering.)

OUTBOARD OVERVIEW:
An outboard has a better power-to-weight ratio, meaning it is lighter than a sterndrive of similar performance capability. If you have a smaller, lighter tow vehicle, you can "pack more power" with an outboard. Outboards offer quicker acceleration and higher top speeds than a similarly powered sterndrive, but fuel economy may not be as good. Since the engine is mounted outside the boat on the transom, interior room is unobstructed. However, because of this same setup, there's usually only room for smaller swim platforms on both sides of the engine. Since all parts of an outboard system are designed for marine use and can be easily flushed, they are generally more corrosion resistant than inboard engines, and, therefore, more suited for saltwater use. Because there is no closed cooling system, an outboard can be used throughout the cold weather months, without the cost and inconvenience of winterizing and the danger of freezing.

STERNDRIVE OVERVIEW:
The sterndrive's inboard engine is entirely enclosed within the hull. This gives sterndrive-powered boats a sleeker, cleaner look above the water line, though interior room can be somewhat reduced. This setup also affords unobstructed views to the rear, and the swim platform can run the full width of the boat. With its heavier engine mounted right inside the transom, sterndrives can be somewhat slower to get up on plane, but are usually more fuel efficient. For skiing, sterndrives tend to produce higher wakes and a lot of low-end torque, which is just what the skier in the family ordered. Sterndrives also offer the familiarity and lower parts prices of an automotive-style engine, but can be a little harder to access inside the boat. Since the freshwater cooling system is also automotive based, the engine block and manifolds must be drained before winter. In an effort to make this job easier, MerCruiser installs an easy drain on many engines that makes getting the water out of the engine a simple process.

Now that you know the basics, consult with your dealer to find what type of power best suits your needs. Either way, you're going to have a great time on the water!