![]() The irony in all of this is that Volvo Penta introduced the Sterndrive before Mercruiser however the design was developed by Mercruiser in a round about way. The controversy surrounding the history behind Mercury Engines and the Mercruiser product line comes from the fact that while Jim Wynne was credited with the "invention" of the Sterndrive after having left employment by Kiekhaefer in 1958, the truth was that the original design concept was that of Charlie Strang while still employed by and a very close friend of Kiekhefer yet working on the design and initial agreement with Volvo Penta. The biggest design enhancement to the earlier predecessors was the introduction of two 90 degree gears sets by use of universal joints. Two engineers by the names of Jim Wynne and Charlie Strange are credited with the design concept of the Mercruiser Sterndrive as its known today. At this point and up through Mawhen the Mercruiser product brand was initially launched, there lies a tremendous amount of controversy regarding the birth of the Mercruiser Sterndrive product line. Therefore the product basically dissolved in the wake of problems being pointed at the boat builder from the Sterndrive manufacturer and vice versa. ![]() ![]() However this product was plagued by lack of customer interest as well as lack of Boat Builder interest. In 1930 Johnson Motor Company released what was probably the first Sterndrive. This therefore meant the propeller angle was not just pushing the boat forward but also pushing upwards on the boat and not in the optimal direction the boat was traveling. The other problem with Inboard Motors was that the engine required being angled such that a more optimal Propeller Shaft angle was achievable. However the Inboard motors having been converted from an automotive engine were both big & heavy. ![]() In 1957 Kiekhaefer produced the most powerful Outboard motor in the world at just 60 Horsepower. All Outboards including Mercury Outboards lacked in both horsepower and especially torque. Both of these power boat options however had their disadvantages. Aside from sailing and paddle boating, until the 1920's there were only 2 powered options to propel a boat through the water the Outboard Motor and the Inboard Motor. ![]()
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