Quote:
Originally Posted by Privilege
For many years I had heard that out-drives in saltwater were not a good idea. However on most modern catamarans, saildrives are becoming the norm and they are just the same as out-drives. Like any soft metal left in saltwater, they require special attention as they are more prone to corrosion. A good tip that I once heard and which seems to make sense is to always leave the drive down when not in use. This leaves the bellows compressed and stops barnacles from forming within the folds. If left up and barnacles settle, they can damage the rubber when compressed.
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Also when the drive is down, the lifting rams are not as exposed to growth. If the drive is up somewhat, tube worms or other hard growth can attach to them. When the drive is then put al the way down, that growth can cut the
seals inside the ram.
There are simply places you cannot access to clean the growth from. Mechanically and from a metallurgy standpoint, it's not a sound way to store your
boat. However, there are probably more outdrive boats than shaft drive, so it can be done with proper care and
maintenance.
In areas where they are hauled for the winter, it's a bit better because you have months to clean, inspect, and replace what's needed.
In year around
boating areas, that usually doe not happen as regularly.
One thing to consider is resale value on an in the
water IO
boat can be lower, because many people simply will not consider them.
I've had both, but prefer shaft drive.
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