Open Debate
 

What is better?

Outboard or Sterndrive?

Lets say twin 200hp Mercury outboards VS a 454 Mag.

Re: Open Debate
 

What size boat?

Good question.

Lets say a 24' Banana Boat. Race or Pleasure, it doesn't matter. :drink:

Re: Open Debate
 

This is a tough call.
You can put alot of power into a BBC, stock for stock I'd go outboards.
Big power, I'd go w a biggie motors 572 or 598

Re: Open Debate
 

Let's add a little fuel to the fire........ which model do you think that we should come out with first, outboard, (single or twin) on a bracket or sterndrive?

Okay,

Lets modify the example to twin stock 200hp outboards vs 475hp I/O.

I am trying to make the speed compariable and not really the issue. Lets say that both rigs would go 70-75mph.

Which has the better fuel burn? I would think the outboards would be burn more.

I want to know opionions on ride performance from people who have driven both?

Cockpit space will obviously be better with the egg beaters hanging off the back.

Which takes the ocean waves better?

TB, Chatim? Are you out there? Anyone seen MrV8outboard?

:rolleyes:

First Banana power?

The very first Banana boat was an I/O, so I say lets be historical and start your new line off with the I/O version.

Also, most people on OSO have I/O's. For this reason alone, I would think the interest in the new boats would be higher.

:D

Re: Open Debate
 

Thanks for your input.

Having driven both versions in racing conditions, I would have to give the nod to the sterndrive single engine version as having the best balance and control.

However, I would like to see a really strong version of a small block used rather than a big block in the 24 foot boats ....kind of like the original Cobra race cars....the big block was a lot cooler, but talk to any driver from that era, and they all agree the small block 289 was a much better handling race car.

Now for the 28, the big block for sure.

Hello Charlie Sr.,

If you had a 24 Banana with a high powered small block.

What would ou run for a drive set up? Would you go with a stand off box or transom jack and a higher X-dimension?

I am assuming 30" K-planes or the equivalent.

I like those Park Tabs. They are better looking than the Dana Marine tabs. Also Park has a circle on the top end of the tab where they can stamp the Banana Name right into it.

I think they are a lot cheaper as well than the K-plane.

Just an observers opionion... :drink:

Re: Open Debate
 

Trick marine can stamp their tabs, and do it in any color.
I'd like to see a twin small block in a 28, pushing 400-425hp on bravos.
That should be nice balanced boat.

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We do a 434 Ci small block Dart motor.
It has a guaranteed 600 hp on the dyno in the solid roller, Race version.
The hydraulic roller pleasure version should have about 500 hp and about 540 ft lbs of torque, in an SBC package.

I think the BBC appeals more to the basic mentality of people buying offshore boats, and it is alot a easier on the components to get 660 hp out of a 540 then a 434.

Evan

Re: Open Debate
 

But the 28 would be better balanced w/ twin sbc than bbc.
Or just do one bbc w/ 700+hp.

Re: Open Debate
 

Ok. As much as I like my outboard, I would really love to have a sterndrive model. And just because I like SBC's I'd have to agree with TB. I'm not looking to have a 700hp fire breathing, race fuel guzzling monster. 450-470hp would be fine by me and should be plenty reliable in a SBC. And then in compares to hanging twin 225-235 beaters off the back. And that combo gets you well into the 70-75mph range.


Now if we want to talk fantasy land. I would really love to be able to convert a banana to use one of the turbine setups that are out there. And now were talkin :drink: :drink:

http://www.marineturbine.com/marine.asp

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Well I know the Knox boy's of Sassy Race Engines and they build one mean KB Hemi. I asked them if they could build one for an offshore application. They said Drag Boats are as close to water as they will get. Plus there about 50K, and would more than likely destroy any drive, But it would fun to find out. :eek:

Re: Open Debate
 

twin o/b's have always been a bit quicker than twin i/o's on the 26' rum runners. the reason for this is the fact that the outboards are set back further.

Thanks for all the input. This is a good thread. :)

Sounds like everybody likes the small block I/O for the 24.

Here are some Pantera picks to give you an idea of what I was thinking regarding the comparison.

Re: Open Debate
 

I don't like the small block for the 24 or any boat. TB likes the SBC for a 24, I can build a big, torkey 434 small block, but I like 572s or bigger for just about any boat, (well, maybe just a 540 for my 18' donzi)

Re: Open Debate
 

Good thing I like that Donzi, (generally speaking) cause I can't get rid of it. My deals keep falling through, 2 in 2 days down the tubes.
sniff,
Sniff
I thought I was picking up #14 tomorrow... =(

Re: Open Debate
 

i would only build a full transom boat. just knee it for a bracket if it was going to be an outboard. that keeps the tooling simple and the same. then use the fuel tank location for balance.

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OK, Since I have said that I like the stern drive better, and I have to rebuild all of my bulkheads and stringers. What should I do?

Should I stay with the outboard power? Or convert to I/O?

Is it possible to put in the stern drive stringer layout but still run the OB on a bracket until I get all the stern drive gear?

Just some thoughts.

Re: Open Debate
 

Adam, I would keep it OB put the same bracket Charlie Jr has,and push the rear sit back. Chris gained so much room on his boat by doing that. Then put a single 300X on it.