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Outboard vs Sterndrive vs Jet Drive

Three power options, outboard, sterndrive and jet drive, are compared on the same boat to find out which performs best.

March 13, 2014

When Glastron said it was making a runabout available with three different power types we jumped at the chance to pit: outboard versus sterndrive versus jet drive.John Linn

Each power option dictates its own aft layout with the sterndrive and jet drive offering larger spaces for lounging.John Linn

The outboard-powered Glastron has the lightest weight, best fuel economy and quietest cockpit.

Outboard power is provided by a 3.0-liter V-6 Mercury 150 FourStroke.John Linn

John Linn

The trimability of the outboard-powered Glastron enhances performance and economy.John Linn

John Linn

The jet drive Glastron can easily navigate shallow water and carves turns with ease.

The 250 hp version of the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder Rotax 4TEC engine, which is supercharged, intercooled and catalyst-equipped provides the jet power.John Linn

Aft-facing seats take the place of the sunpad on the jet drive Glastron.John Linn

The jet drive Glastron can be a little trickier to dock or load on a trailer due to the absence of a rudder on the jet pump. However, it has very quick steering and is extremely agile.John Linn

John Linn

Glastron's sterndrive version hit the highest top speed, and offers an expansive sun pad and full-width swim platform.

The sterndrive Glastron features a 220 hp MerCruiser 4.3 MPIC.John Linn

The ability to trim the sterndrive Glastron helps enhance its performance and fuel economy.John Linn

John Linn

The jet drive Glastron blasts out of the hole faster than the outboard or sterndrive.John Linn

John Linn

John Linn

John Linn

The outboard Glastron offers performance that matches or exceeds those of the sterndrive and jet drive.John Linn

The jet drive is the least expensive, accelerates fastest, is easy to operate and has a clever lounging area, but it's thirsty and noisier.John Linn

In this comparison, we think styling is really the only reason to choose the sterndrive-powered boat.John Linn

From the aft seat forward, each of these Glastron boats is exactly the same except for slight differences in controls and instruments.John Linn

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