I would like to know the difference or advantage between an inboard verses outboard motor in a boat?

Question

If anyone could give me some details in the differences or advantages of which boat to buy....inboard verses outboard motor when purchasing a boat?

Answer 1

I know it sounds repetitive, but the first question you must ask is: "how am I going to use my boat?"

Sounds like you are comparing ski boats with I/B and O/B engines. Two pretty different beasts. And don't forget to throw in the Inboard/Outboard engine as a third option.

The inboard engine will give you more power, and in MHO lower maintenance costs. The O/B will give you more flexibility and is easier to winterize.

The I/O will give you power and flexibility.

How are you going to use your boat? We can help you more.

Hitch a ride with a buddy who owns both types and do some evaluating from that standpoint.

Best of luck.

Edit to Boating in VA: you have the best, twin screws, and you can turn those puppies on a dime. The single s***w boat is something to get used to, especially if you have been running I/O's and O/B's for years. Trust me, I own all three types of engine configs, with one boat being twin I/O's

Answer 2

Here are the advantages of outboard power from my point of view -- an inboard person will have to enlighten us on the other side:

Top ten reasons why outboards are better:

10. Engine doesn't take up valuable space better utilized for livewell/baitwell/fishing gear/beer.

9. Doesn't require a contortionist to work on the engine.

8. High power-to-weight ratio.

7. Repower? Easy.

6. Winterize? No need.

5. Trim meter broke? Who cares!

4. Park on the beach? Spur of the moment prop change? Shallow water or stumpfield? No problem - engine tilts completely out of the water.

3. No bellows.

2. Dead battery? You did save that little rope with the handle that comes with all outboards, right?

And the number one reason why outboards are better:

1. Everyone can see how big it is.

Answer 3

I had to laugh the three folks gave their overall reasons I liked the top 10 but disagreed with not having to winterize the unit! It depends on where you live.

The inboard is heavy but easier to work on YOU DONT NEED TO BE A ROCKET SCIENTIST LIKE WITH AN OUTBOARD, WHEN IT COMES TO SERVICE.

PRO'S AND CON'S GO LOOK AT THEM AT A DEALER WALK AROUND THE BOATS LOOK FOR YOUR SELF.

The reason the guy with twin outdrives can back up easier than a single is BECAUSE he has two engines and the counter rotate.

I have a 4.3 LX in my boat and love it and yes I would buy another inboard before I would buy an outboard! My preference.

Good Luck and Happy Boating!

Answer 4

inbord = more power???? idk  but yes an inbord is inside the boat, and only a shaft with the propeller sticks out the bottom of the boat, with the rudder mounted behind the prop, usually best for ski/wakeboard boats.

and this makes it hart to back up as the rudder is behind the prop.

outboard, the whole thing is one unit mounted on the back of the boat, the propeller is mounted to the rudder.

inboard/outboard is the best of both worlds but often harder to maintain, still good control, forward and reverse. The engine is mounted inside the boat out of the way, with the small "foot" (containing the prop, and rudder) mounted on the outside

Answer 5

an inboard motor is more powerful- usuall a v8 or a big 6. its too big and heavy to hang off the back of a boat.

An outboard is more easily repaceable--its just bolted on the back end.

Answer 6

Gary B gave you a great definition of the 3 main types of engines found on vessels but I disagree that an inboard is harder to back up than the others. We currently own a 33' cruiser with twin inboards and backing it up is a breeze compared to the single engined I/O previously owned.

A major difference is the amount of fuel burned per hour. The outboard probably gets the best burn rate of the 3, followed by the i/o's and lastly comes, and sadly for us, the inboards. We have twin V8's in ours and we're averaging about 24 gallons per hour. Additionally we run slower than the i/o by about 5 mph but the ride is quieter and actually smoother than identical boats w/ the i/o option.

While we enjoy the quiet and smooth ride the option of having more speed and higher fuel economy during these days of high fuel prices would make me go with an i/o if we could.

Edit to TrueNorth: you are indeed correct. She will definitely turn on a dime and is as sweet as can be. Took very little getting used to and won't go any other way ever again! Twins are definitely the way to go...gas permitting! :) Have a good one!!!

Answer 7

The thing I don't like about most of the above answers, is that I think it is impossible to talk about the advantages and disadvantages without knowing the type and size of boat as well as the conditions and circumstances you will be using the boat under.

I've owned both inboard and outboard boats - mostly sailboats including one 26-footer that initially had an inboard, but I replaced with an outboard when in the inboard finally died.   This afforded me to compare both on the exact same boat:

What I liked about an outboard:

1. Cost less, at least initially - could replace it 5 times over for the price of an inboard.

2.  Weighs less - brought my small boat up a couple inches on the water line.

3.  Easy to remove - just throw it in the car for maintenance of winter storage

4.  Can be hand started with completely dead battereries.

5.  Propeller direction can be changed increasing the boat's maneuverability.

6.   Can buy fuel at any gas station, the fuel is often stored externally.

8.  Requires no internal instillation which frees up internal room.

9.  No diesel fumes inside

Advantages of on Inboard:

1.  Very reliable in the long run with basic maintenance.

2.   Likely to be more fuel efficient.

3.  Well suited for long-term motoring.

4.  Usually runs on Diesel which is less volatile.

5.  Usually have more powerful alternator so will provide more electric

6.   A thief can't just lift them off the back of the boat.

7.  Less vulnerable to damage

8.. You don't have to worry about the prop coming out or head going under in bigger seas.

10.  It requires no through-hulls, which could sink a boat.

The real question is how do these different trade offs apply of boat you are interested in, your intended use and the conditions.

For a boat in the low 20s on an inland lake, I would probably never consider anything other than an outboard.   Under these conditions I don't want the added weight, big seas are not an issue and the cost of an inboard would be enormous compared to the boat.  I'm more likely to be in small marinas, where the added maneuverability is nice.

For a sailboat at 30 feet for ocean use, I am now only considering an Inboard.  For cruising, I need the added power (electric production) and reliability, but more importantly, need it to reliably work in steep seas without any danger of plunging it underwater or having the prop come out.  With a bigger boat, the weight and space issues are not as critical as on a smaller boat.

With non-sailing vessels, you will also have to consider things like fuel efficiency vs. planning ability and speed trade offs.