RAW WATER INTAKE ON OUTDRIVE

[jungpeter]

Does anyone have insight as to why outdrive-equipped boats typically intake raw cooling water via the outdrive leg, vs a through-hull fitting and sea strainer?

 

[PCUK]

It saves the boat builder having to install a separate raw water feed. Many drives have both a through leg feed and a through the hull feed with standard filter.

 

[Momac]

I think the intake in the outdrive must also assist with cooling the outdrive gearbox.