for larger boats (40-50') I/O's do have a few unlisted advantages. An I/O can be diesel (longer lasting) , can use a pod drive for 360 degree directional control with a single engine, can have a much larger alternator to generate electricity, and the waste heat can be used for cabin heat and hot water.
I’ve been on both styles as a deck hand to charter fishermen and commercial fishermen and honestly it really depends what size boat you have and what you want to do with it. I’d say if your just going out on the lake with a couple of buddies and fishing then outboards are the way to go (in the case of my dad this has always been his go to setup) however if your taking a group of guys out on the water to fish particularly as a charter captain, taking your wife and kids out to the beach swimming, or just running a big ass commercial fishing boat then stern drives (especially if they’re diesels) are your ticket. AGAIN! I’ve never actually owned ether but I have 12 years experience off and on as a deck hand and also fishing with my friends and even once dated a girl whose dad owned a boat plus having a dad who owns a boat and this is just my take on it. That said if I ever buy a boat it’ll probably be about 16 foot long and will have a godevil 23 hp Vanguard long tail on it.
Owned a jet boat and loved it! They are simple and fairly maintenance free, down size is they rob power. Looking into pontoon boat now that I’m older and wiser 😂 outboard power now.
In the early 1990's I owned an 18' Cobia bow rider with a 120hp OMC stringer mounted stern drive. Not the greatest set-up. As a result, that experience left a bad impression to me for stern drive powered boats. I have not considered a stern drive since then.
