Yep my dad's yamaha just got plugs and oil changes. Impellers were bullet proof.

I did have to replace the exhaust in the midsection because of a inferior metal but that was on just a few model years.

Now if I was bombing around the islands and insisted on being self sufficient.

Hard to beat. A carbureted 454 with a crank mounted sea pump with a inboard or Arneson. Carry some distributor parts ,a carb kit ,plugs ,coil and oil.

I won't argue with the fact that once your Outboard goes down you are most likely stuck, but I think most of the electronic I/0 are in the same boat.

Newer outboards are very reliable, I like the Verado 300 and 350. Big warranty, and in triple or quad config are good power.. If something does go wrong, usually a sensor, scan tools can narrow the problem pretty fast. If you have only worked with a big block, a carb, and an outdrive the new outboards seem impossible to work on, that is easy to understand. Remember when ABS came out, "nobody could work on that" either. As technology advances, the DIY'er has to adjust, gain the knowledge, and buy the proper tools.
BUT nothing beats the sound of twin BBC running with sticks on the dash.

Why are OB water impellers better? From a design standpoint.

Better in what way?

We already changed out ours in our O/B and while it is still a little bit of a hassle it was MUCH easier then laying on my back in a wedged bilge trying to reach under the motor.

after speaking to a Tow Boat US captain who now has 7000 hrs on his stock 496 Mag, I feel pretty good about having the same engine. All he has done is routine maint.

Best engine I've ever owned was an ETEC. My old man had the same on his fishing boat. Troll slow all day with no issue and never a single hesitation, sputter, or smoke....and the benefit of the 2 stroke powerband. I just ran the damn boat...never had a cover off the engine in 4 years. I build engines for a living and am not easily impressed and damn sure don't like working on them when not getting paid LOL....I loved how those ETECs treated me.

For what its worth...my Mercruisers run like a champ. Start adding power and that is where the maintenance comes in.

so I love my blown 454s for running around the fresh water lakes around where I'm from. However when I finally land a job down on the coast, I'm going to sell the formula and move over to some type of center console with outboards. They seem much better suited in a salt water environment than my current setup.

Impellers, IAC valves, spark plugs, etc. Mine was trouble free until it bent a rod at 400 hours.

they are in the lower unit and don't have to draw up as far as an engine mounted impeller and are less likely to lose a prime or run dry. The shape of the housing (round) they reside in also gives them greater longevity. Same with an Alpha.