Possibly depends on what sort of boat it is and what you want to use it for.
Many smaller boats were simply never produced with anything other than outdrives, so no other choice.
When inspecting the boat you really need to worry 90% about the drive train, has it been maintained properly.
The older the boat the more you need to satisfy yourself that the present owner and to a lesser extent previous owners have religously followed the outdrive servicing otherwise you could be picking up their bills.
Engines can suffer a bit more neglect before biting back.
It would help if you could give few more details, the model of outdrives and the type of boat and its power units.
Newer outdrives,we are assured by those who have them are much more reliable.
There is lot of experience on here that could make sure you enjoy your new boat and avoid the pitfalls that await the unwary.
Three promises..
The cheque is in the post..............
Of course I'll still love you in the morning...............
The outdrives were fully serviced last year ..............
Both solid reliable boats, the 41 series engine both the A and the B are basic easy to maintain engines with loads of aftermarket service bits available such as impellers/fuel/oil /air filters at sensible prices.from Ebay or your local motor factor.
DIY.
Usually the yearly expence would be a change of oil and filters,along with secondary fuel filters.(£10-20 each ) 2 x oil filters(£10-15.00 each) and 20L of fleet oil about £60.00 . max.
Every other year add 2 x new impellers (£ 40.00 each ) and possibly 2 x primary filters.Cost depends on what is fitted, some have glass inspection bowl.
Change crankcase filters £25.00 each and air filters( 25.00) on condition.
The 41 "B" engine is allegedly less smokey on start up.
Things to watch for, the cooling system must be working 100% with no oil cooler or heat exchanger problems, check no obvious leaks or even worse corrosion.
Best way of checking everything, a decent run at fast cruise and watch the temp gauges like a hawk..... if the alarms go off there is problem.
Temps should drop down almost immediately on dropping off the plane.
Fuel burn depends entirely on your use but most boaters think that the cost of fuel is not top of the expences worry.
Those legs....... you can do virtually everything yourself but the main thing is when you get your boat out the water once a year for your A/F, inspect carefully for latent problems and prevent at any cost water getting into the outdrive. Checking the gearbox oil takes seconds and could save you a fortune later.
Undo the stainless plug at bottom of leg and let a little gear oil drain into a clear container. If it looks creamy you need to take action and trace where the water is getting in.
Usually a seal ( round the prop shaft or gear selector) has given up and needs to be replaced, not usually difficult (on single prop outdrives) or expensive just extra work.
Insist on seeing any paperwork or proof that any alleged service work has been carried out .
A grubby oil change receipt alone "because the bellows were changed "only" a couple of seasons ago" is not service history.
Virtually all outdrive owners will have the number of specialist repair outfit tucked away somewhere, should things go pear shaped, most legs can be rescued .
There thats me being kind.
..................most the for sale ads suggest a KAD was the only engine choice apart from the petrol option, but servicing essentially the same. ?
Moorngs £3,500
Smart comment, you are soooo right. ??
It's essential to almost every aspect of domestic harmony!
