I'm doing some double checking, hopefully will get some very accurate input but, from everything I recall reading (and can find quickly to back it up):
A typical transmission in a V-Drive or Stern-Drive boat loses about 3% to 5% of the engine power.
The single 90 degree drive direction change in an outboard loses about 7% to 10% of the engine power.
The double 90 degree drive direction change in a stern-drive loses about 12% to 20% of the engine power. This is one of the reasons you see a 525 Merc engine dynoing at around 600HP at the crank. Merc rates them at the propshaft.
Now days, the wet drive vs the dry sump drive is reducing the parasitic loss of a stern drive. The parasitic power loss from the wet drive is almost the same as the loss from a real good transmission (allegedly).
Outboards and stern-drives have an advantage from the thrust angle vs an inboard or Arneson. But not that much advantage over the Arneson. So, the Arneson (or comparable surface drive), has the least total loss of any current system. Less changes in direction vs outboard or IO, closer to optimal thrust angle vs inboards or V-Drives. The total loss of an Arneson with a crash box has to be almost nil.
Now, pick me apart........
