Thinking of buying a boat confused with inboard or outboard motors, which is best and why?

Question

Its nothing to do with the size of the boat, as 21ft cruisers can be purchased with powerful outboards 225hp as people are answering outboards are for small boats. I was looking for factual information on the pro's and con's of both inboard and outboard engines.

Answer 1

It is really your choice. There are basically 3 types of engines. Outboard, which now can be up to 350 hp (new Yamaha), inboard which is available in a wide range of power and gas or diesel and inboard/outboard which has the inboard engine and an outdrive similar to an outboard. I prefer an inboard diesel which gives me great economy while cruising at 24 knots. Twin inboards tend to have much better slow speed handling then twin outboards but the downside is you have to sacrifice room for those engines. The outboards can cruise faster but have worse economy (compared to diesel) I/Os are supposed to have the best of both but also have the worst of both. Outboard powered boats come in all sizes, Pursuit is coming out with a 37 powered by twin Yamaha 350hp outboards. All of these engines are complex, so it falls back on what you like, and how you like the boat with whatever power is on it.

Answer 2

It really does depend on the type of boating you will be doing. If you are looking for a general purpose recreational boat for skiing, fishing, etc, then an outboard has less maintenance, lower weight, etc. Outboards are also best in shallow waters, as you can trim them up. Inboards require special trailers and need regular maintenance to the propshaft seals. I would only advise these for a serious boater that needs the advantages of an inboard.

New direct injected two strokes burn cleaner and make more power for the weight than any inboard or four stroke outboard. Check out the Evinrdue E-Tec. If you are a serious wakeboarder or water skier, then an inboard with the engine in the center provides better characteristics and handling. If you are buying new, you should budget about $100 per horsepower. Slightly higher in the low hp range, and slightly less in the high hp range. You can get a good 225 for about $18k USD.

Answer 3

Outboards - problems with theft and damage. Should you be thinking of canal boating you can share a lock with a small narrow boat, but suggest to them that they go in first. In a lock with strong inflow from a gate, a water surge could cause the narrow boat to be driven into your motor. Availability of petrol is a problem on canals - you will have to trudge off with a petrol can should you run low whereas red diesel pumps are available all over the canal system.
I guess you are talking about a GRP boat?
Have you thought of looking at a small narrow boat?
Your budget is of importance, of course; it isn't difficult to pick up a GRP fairly cheaply, a steel or even an aluminium narrow boat (see the "Sea Otter" Web Site) is going to set you back quite a bit.
Before you buy, suss out where you are going to moor. Costs vary around the Country depending on location and facilities. You will need an annual License and Insurance.
We reckon, mooring in Staffordshire in a good Marina, our 30' boat costs a total of approx £1,500 a year to keep on the water. At that, it is cheaper than a couple of weeks canal holiday, you have a floating country cottage and, if you buy carefully, you will lose very little when you come to sell.
P.S. Just had a thought - if you are into British Waterways, the IWA Festival is being held at St. Ives, Huntingdonshire, over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It would give you a chance to have a look at some boats and see what is around.

Answer 4

Had both types and found the inboard to be preferable due to better handling and economy. Did the Cheshire Ring in 2 weeks on £24 worth of diesel, this was 5 years ago, so probably a little dearer now.
With the limited capacity of the outboards fuel tank,any prolonged cruising would entail carrying spare cans of petrol, which is not really a good idea.
Plus, not sure, but do they make diesel outboards?
Hope you enjoy whichever type you choose.Happy cruising.

Answer 5

Outboard motors tend to go with smaller boats, so they are much less powerful. Inboard motors are found on larger vessels, but because they're bigger, tend to be more reliable. It doesn't really matter too much though, so it's better to decide what budget you have and go for a boat that you like. There are lots of sailing magazine at place like Smith, if you want to check them out.

Answer 6

I have dealt with both and found outboards to have more throttle response and power. I believe that speed is better achieved because of the lighter weight of the outboard instead of the heavier weight of in boards. Outboard motors are built using new technology such as roller barring assembly for added RPM and life expectancy.

Answer 7

Outboard for speed. Inboard for fuel economy. These are the basics. Consideration like upgrade and security still apply but I've given you the performance difference.

Answer 8

simple difference. the inboard is built in. engine inside the hull turning shaft to the outside where the prop is, a larger end craft won't have outboard. outboard motors kind of hang over the back. smaller craft you'll often control the motor like a tiller, moving it directly, fancier rigs connect the outboard to a steering wheel, mainly smaller to mid size crafts...

Answer 9

The 2.5 liter is a great engine, but a 1979 with water back through the elbow is going to fail - even if you get it running with a quick and dirty fix. Do not expect it to be reliable, as the exhaust manifold will quickly fail and is likely other major repairs will be soon needed. If the boat was run in salt water, in this condition its value is zero. A fresh water boat in otherwise great condition, might be worth a few hundred dollars - but expect to replace the engine at a cost of $5,000 or so.

Answer 10

I am not a yachtsman yat but the answer seems so obvious? Depends a little on what you want to move. An in board has to best of course. No hassle with its seciurity from theft. Better fuel consumption. Also the inboards are built to go with the boat for life.
I think that it is down to preference and logic.