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Stern drives — also called I/Os (inboard/outboards) — have been a staple in family bowriders, deck boats, and small cruisers for decades. Powered by an inboard engine and an outdrive that sticks through the transom, they once offered a solid mix of power, efficiency, and space.

But as boaters demand more simplicity, shallow-water access, and saltwater durability, stern drives are falling out of favor.

Here are 10 downsides to stern drives, and 2 things they still do well.

🚫 10 Downsides of Stern Drives

1. High Maintenance Outdrive

Stern drives require regular service on:

• Gimbal bearings
• Bellows
• U-joints
• Trim rams
• Gear oil changes

Neglect any of these, and you're in for expensive repairs.

2. Poor Saltwater Durability

Even with “saltwater packages,” outdrives corrode easily — especially if:

• Zinc anodes aren’t replaced
• Flushing isn’t done consistently
• Electrolysis protection is lacking

They’re not ideal for long-term saltwater use.

3. Exposed Gear Below the Hull

With a deep outdrive and prop hanging down, they’re high-risk in shallow water, weed beds, sandbars, or rocky lakes.

4. Can’t Beach Easily

Whether bow-in or stern-in, you risk damaging the prop or outdrive. Beaching becomes stressful or outright risky.

5. Prop Safety Concerns

An exposed prop near the swim platform is dangerous for swimmers, kids, or anyone entering the water behind the boat.

6. Slower Hole Shot

Compared to jet or outboard propulsion, stern drives lag in acceleration, making tubing, wakeboarding, or surf-style activities harder.

7. Difficult Trim Tuning

Trim can help adjust the ride, but over-trimming or under-trimming causes porpoising, poor handling, or cavitation — especially for new boaters.

8. Seasonal Haul-Out Requirements

In many climates, winterization requires:

• Draining water from block and manifolds
• Hauling out
• Storing the drive properly

It’s a time-consuming and sometimes costly process.

9. Lower Resale in Saltwater Regions

Buyers in coastal areas know stern drives have shorter life expectancy — so resale prices drop significantly if used in salt.

10. Limited Watersports Capability

Most stern drives can pull tubes and skis, but they’re not built for surfing or creating consistent wakeboard wakes. And if you try… the prop is dangerously close to the rider.

✅ 2 Things Stern Drives Still Do Great

1. Spacious Interior Layouts

With the engine mounted inside the hull and no large outboard, stern drive boats often provide more aft seating, sun pads, and swim platforms than outboard-powered boats.

2. Smooth Midrange Cruising

Stern drives offer efficient midrange cruising, making them a good fit for relaxed rides, longer distances on calm water, or small overnight trips.

Final Thoughts: Stern Drives Are Outdated for Today’s Boaters

Stern drives had their time — but in an age of jet propulsion, shallow water running, low-maintenance systems, and surf-focused fun, they often fall short.

If you want something safer, simpler, and more versatile — especially for saltwater, family watersports, or stress-free ownership — it may be time to look at next-gen jet boats like the KYMA K7.

Try the KYMA K7 Yourself

Book a VIP KYMA Experience and test it in real-world conditions. You’ll quickly see how it outperforms stern drives in nearly every category.

👉 Click Here to Request Your Demo

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