Should have bought ZUKES simple design no frills just a solid motor that turns a big wheel. 20 hours on mine and not a hiccup and it was thousands cheaper than Merc Verado.
Your argument for an inboard is a bit weak, I dont care what you buy new eventually you get something that isnt right, computers, cars, everything. We had a brand new 120K generator put in at the bridge while I was there and it had an injector problem at startup
Imagine a brand new diesel generator with a problem, was it a POS no it just had a problem. I got another one for ya my ex boss bought a brand new 52' Hatteras with twin diesels he had less than 30 hours and started having issues with one motor they would not replace his motor stating it wasn't necessary he now does not trust this motor and chooses to putz around Buzzards Bay instead of fishing the canyons taking trips south etc, he will eventually trade it. Need I state he paid something like a million 2 for this boat.