Gas Sterndrive Engines

Sterndrives combine the gearcase of an outboard with the engine of an inboard. In fact, history indicates the sterndrive engine was inspired by outboard designs. A sterndrive’s gearcase extends through the transom at the back of the boat and the and a series of gears redirect the drive shaft below the water. The result is a propeller perfectly aligned with the boat’s direction of travel. Steering is accomplished by moving the propeller from left to right. The drive unit can also be tilted up for trailer travel. On smaller boats, when outboards are not selected, sterndrives are often the choice of power.