Shaft v outdrives (close quarter handling)

[MapisM]

I may be off the mark but I suspect that future values will favour outdrive boats as a direct consequence of fuel prices.

You are, I'm afraid.
Whenever fuel costs is the key driver, the only sensible solution is to slow down.
And at displacement speed, outdrives have no advantage whatsoever, only the additional complication.
Then again, if you want to cruise at 30+ kts AND have the lowest possible fuel burn for such speed, they have their place

 

[Greg2]

You are, I'm afraid.
Whenever fuel costs is the key driver, the only sensible solution is to slow down.
And at displacement speed, outdrives have no advantage whatsoever, only the additional complication.
Then again, if you want to cruise at 30+ kts AND have the lowest possible fuel burn for such speed, they have their place

You are quite right, slowing down is the best way to use less fuel but I guess my point is that people will still have the need for speed and those that do will increasingly to look for the most economic way of achieving it.

 

[rafiki_]

With the out drive you used the helm on all maneuvers, normally.
With a shaft the position of the shafted and props on the underside of the hull are spaced further apart and are a single prop. [ normally due on out drives]
This means that you can turn the boat using just an engine in gear,
1 engine in gear, shallow turn,
one forward one in reverse. you turn almost in own length to turn in own length, put the helm over the same way the forward engine is .

Rafiki on twin outdrives handles jut the same. I never use the steering for close quarters manouvering, just the throttles, and she will spin in just over her length with 1 fwd and 1 reverse. I do have the advantage of the bowthruster too, if the wind catches the bows.