[pelican]

outboards-only power designed strictly for marine use,anything else,is an after thought-hence,the term,"marinization"
stern drives,nothing wrong with a stern drive-my rig's stern drive powered-merc 5.7 magnum mpi with the horizon package and a bravo I drive-230 trouble free hours in 2 seasons-fantastic on fuel ! there's a little more upkeep on a stern drive boat-risers and manifolds every 4-5 seasons,pull the drive every winterization,30hr oil changes...but,it's got it's benifits,quieter,much quieter...engine box ?? not in the way at all,it's a center console,you fight a fish from the bow...

ride is better on a stern drive,but,the inboard has the best ride-low center of gravity...outboards on a bracket are the worst ride-leverage.the engine's sitting way behind the boat,acts as a lever,the boat has a tendency to porpoise,and ride "bow high",need alot of "down tab" to counter act...