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Has anyone here made the switch from an R series sterndrive to an outboard setup? What’s been your experience?

I’m seriously considering moving to an R8 with twin outboards. The main reasons for me would be easier maintenance, shallower draft, and joystick control—which seems like a total game-changer for docking.

Would love to hear any pros/cons or things you didn’t expect after making the switch.

Thanks!

I have a sterndrive primarily because outboards eat up most of the swim platform space, which I knew would be a huge part of how we use the boat. The extra storage you gain with outboards is nice, and combined with the other benefits you list may be compelling enough to go outboards if you don't plan to be swimming off the stern on most trips out.

I'm sure others will chime in on their experiences too, but twins with a joystick does sound fantastic for maneuverability, offshore reliability, etc..

Would consider something similar PR..

Following.

jhnmdahl wrote: Mon Jun 09, 2025 2:17 pm I have a sterndrive primarily because outboards eat up most of the swim platform space...

I agree, the outboards take up the most valuable real estate on the boat if you use it like we do. I would also add that the outboards I have been on are louder than inboards. With all that said, for salt water, it would have to be outboards.

"joystick control"

There is joystick control for sterndrives, both VP and Merc. Don't know if Cobalt offers it on the R8. But it does on the bigger R's.

Good point on the noise factor... I have no idea how much louder they are. If it's like a lot louder where you struggle to have a conversation well that may be an issue. If it's only a little bit louder I'd be fine with that. I've never been on a boat with outboards.

To be able to have a joystick you need at least two props that can be independently controlled. I don't think Cobalt makes any twin sterndrives or not that I'm aware of. Definitely not on the R8 sterndrive... they're all single engine single prop.

As my kids are getting older... I don't think the swim platform is a huge deal. Besides when we're in the water with kids they spend most of the time on the gigantic foam splash pad or being pulled on a tube.

Outboards are for sure significantly louder - it's worth a test drive if you're getting close to a decision. Cobalt typically offers twin sterndrive engines on boats 30' or more (along with the option for joystick control), but not on the R8 - enhanced maneuverability and easier servicing are real advantages of going with twin outboards. The biggest sterndrive on the R8 is 430hp, while it looks like with outboards you can get twin 200hp, 250hp, or 300hp engines, albeit at a hefty price for the bigger engines with joystick control.

FirstStar wrote: Mon Jun 09, 2025 9:39 pm

jhnmdahl wrote: Mon Jun 09, 2025 2:17 pm I have a sterndrive primarily because outboards eat up most of the swim platform space...

I agree, the outboards take up the most valuable real estate on the boat if you use it like we do. I would also add that the outboards I have been on are louder than inboards. With all that said, for salt water, it would have to be outboards.

I am on SW and actually would not consider an outboard unless one came closed cool. OB drink from the same fountain and yes corrosion is a serious issue. Yes risers and manifolds see SW. But if these eventually need to be replaced, rather that then an entire engine.

"To be able to have a joystick you need at least two props . . ."

That is not correct. There are joystick controls for single sterndrives by, e.g., VP and Merc.

Kate wrote: Wed Jun 11, 2025 8:33 am "To be able to have a joystick you need at least two props . . ."

That is not correct. There are joystick controls for single sterndrives by, e.g., VP and Merc.

Ok joystick on a single-prop system may technically exist, but it’s never going to give you the same control — because physics. You just can’t get true lateral movement without at least two points of thrust. Seems kind of useless.

". . . it’s never going to give you the same control . . ."

Which is the added benefit of a bow or stern thruster.

Two points of thrust” — yes, meaning either twin engines or thrusters. Same thing. What I’m saying is, joystick with just one point of thrust is pretty much useless. Moot point anyway — Cobalt doesn’t offer thrusters or joystick on single-prop models.

Another big difference I’m reading about now is the effect of engine placement on ride quality. With outboards, the engine weight is farther aft and sits higher, which shifts the center of gravity and reduces bow weight. That can lead to a less planted feel in chop or rough water.
In contrast, a sterndrive has the engine placed more forward and lower in the hull, so the boat’s center of mass is lower and more balanced — giving it a more settled, stable ride when it gets bumpy.

Hmm… definitely something to think about. I’ve been pretty excited about the move to outboards, but our lake can get pretty choppy on busy weekends or windy days. Curious if anyone’s noticed this difference firsthand?

prwdmd wrote: Thu Jun 12, 2025 12:10 pm Another big difference I’m reading about now is the effect of engine placement on ride quality. With outboards, the engine weight is farther aft and sits higher, which shifts the center of gravity and reduces bow weight. That can lead to a less planted feel in chop or rough water.
In contrast, a sterndrive has the engine placed more forward and lower in the hull, so the boat’s center of mass is lower and more balanced — giving it a more settled, stable ride when it gets bumpy.

Hmm… definitely something to think about. I’ve been pretty excited about the move to outboards, but our lake can get pretty choppy on busy weekends or windy days. Curious if anyone’s noticed this difference firsthand?

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Great point prw

prwdmd wrote: Thu Jun 12, 2025 12:10 pm Another big difference I’m reading about now is the effect of engine placement on ride quality. With outboards, the engine weight is farther aft and sits higher, which shifts the center of gravity and reduces bow weight. That can lead to a less planted feel in chop or rough water.
In contrast, a sterndrive has the engine placed more forward and lower in the hull, so the boat’s center of mass is lower and more balanced — giving it a more settled, stable ride when it gets bumpy.

Hmm… definitely something to think about. I’ve been pretty excited about the move to outboards, but our lake can get pretty choppy on busy weekends or windy days. Curious if anyone’s noticed this difference firsthand?

A very valid point. Ideal weight distribution for a boat, particularly a planing hull should be as low as possible and ideally around 30% of the length forward of the transom. A sterndrive is closer to that goal. I have driven a 24 ft Grady White OB and it is pretty apparent. Not hating on OB's. They make sense on center consoles where deck space is a premium but for me, never saw a compelling reason on a BR.