Inboard transoms and outboard transoms, for a given brand of boat, are of
similar construction.

With the exception of the old OMC "stringer mount" drives, which have been out
of production for 18 years, the transom carries the weight and thrust of the
outdrive on a stern drive application. Sleeves which mount on the tilt rams
while in the up position are available. They take the load off the hydraulic
cylinders but do not support the weight of the outdrive which is still carried
by the transom. This load, while trailering, is not generally considered to
be a problem.

The difference in price between stern drives and outboards is due to the lower
cost of the engine used on sterndrives.

Joseph Stachyra wrote:

i/o's (transoms) are not built so good. It's usually 3 sheets of plywood
then glass over that, since the out drive is attached to a engine which is
bolted to two main rail's that run the length of the boat.
this is why i/o's are dirt cheap compared to the same size in a outboard
version. regardless of brand

"Mike Kasiorek" wrote in message
...
Hello all, After years of outboards, we have bought our first I/O, a
Larson 18' SEI. On all the outboards I have owned and trailered across
this great country, I always had a transom support. I am not real
familiar yet with I/O's, what kind of transom support is recommended?
Also would like to hear any opinions about Larson boats..Thank you and
boat safe.....Mike