Seems like most performance boaters choose V-8 sterndrives over outboard power. Not really sure why? Yeah, a V-8 rumble is nice, but it seems outboards are lighter and faster with same horsepwer; plus they have a greater trim range, and free up cockpit room. Price, fuel economy, durability? Opinions? I'm trying to figure out configuration of my next 26 - 30 footer....

I like having a swim deck on the back of my boat, that would be my main concern with a O/B style boat. How do you get in and out with twins or tripples? Maybe you just dont get in the water?

I am an ouyboard guy but the inboard boats are easier to sell with better resale value

AGREE.....Sterndrives rumble sounds SWEET and even better at WOT!!!!!
Better resale.
Swim platforms.
But the outbourds do seem to be faster with = horsepower.

I/O's also run mych better in rough water, weight is not all hanging off the back of the boat. O/B's like to pound hard in 2-4's where an I/O will have better manners. Both great power options, just depends on your needs.

ultimate speed is still better in a sterndrive application..... a fast OB will be in the 115-120 range.. (lets say 30-32 cat) and a fast sterndrive will be in the 135-150 range.... you max out pretty quick with the OB's

I have to agree with the Hillbilly. I started with an OB and will probably end up there as being a bilge rat is getting harder as I get older (softer). I see a performance CC in my future.

They don't make 1100hp outboards yet.

Outboards will spin high rpm alot longer before needing a major. They do smoke alot and the rigging can eat up some of the platform .. Both have good and bad points..
Outboards are FAR easier to work on .. I can swap a powerhead in a couple hours and be back out there.
To each his own ...I always had IO's but wanted to try outies so i built this boat.

I'll try to keep this brief-
I have always been a big block guy... My last boat had twin 502 MPIs... They broke my balls relentlessly.

Then I went to work for Evinrude.
Damn life is good with OBs.
These motors light off sooner than you can get your hand off the key, they're smooth, quiet, NEVER smoke at all, never stall, accellerate strong, have a great power curve, and most importantly...next to no maintenance. My demo boat has 285hours on it.. These motors are just now going to get their first set of plugs...

The only negative.. They're 250s.... You'd need 3.5 obs to get the same HPs at two basic BBs.
But then there's weight..
These OBs are 525lbs each. A stern drive BB is about 1,000lb.

It's a tough call if your talking about OB vs a basic bb like a 496ho.. I'd be in the OBs...
Now, if you're talking a pair of 600hp, or bigger.... What other choice do you have?