looking for advice up in Alaska

Hello from Alaska...I have been running rivers in my Marathon Marine 18' with a 200 OptiMax inboard jet for the last three years before I decided to venture out into the salt water with it out of Whittier...(you know shrimping, salmon, and halibut)...problem incountered was sucking up weeds and reducing power...so I brought an older 26' Reinell for $1500 (prop) from my neighbor without an engine and just brought a used 305 with an OMC outdrive from an oldtimer for $400. Honestly, I do not have experience on the salt or with mechanics or with outdrives...therefore I asking for advice on whether or not the outdrive is recommended...I heard they have a problem shifting at low RPM...I can get a Penta volva too for next to nothing. In your experience, which is the better outdrive?

 

sterndrive

Dear Alaskan Fisherman,

Do yourself a favour and take the Volvo Penta........Reliable and strong.
Good Luck!