What is better, an outboard or inboard engine on a boat?

Question

What is better, an outboard or inboard engine on a boat?

Answer 1

In this case you are really comparing apples and oranges.

Biggest difference is the flexibility you will experience with the O/B.

Now, add the inboard/outboard to the mix and you have a tougher decision.

You are going to get a thousand answers, all touting their favorite power plant. You will probably even get a stock answer that is given each time this question is asked.

Here's the bottom line: How are you going to use your boat? And which do you prefer? Because in many instances it is a personal preference relative to how you use your boat.

Good luck and have fun.

Edit: I have a sense of humor, stock answers don't make me laugh. Creative individuals make me laugh.

Answer 2

there are pros and cons with this.  I have had many boats over the years and the main advantage of inboards are they are easier to work on and are more economical to run.  The outboards I have had though have been two stroke engines and they use a lot more gas and you have to have two stroke oil as well.  However the outboards will usually have great performance.  I have not had one of the new type four stroke outboards which I assume would work very well.  Anyway, I would prefer an inboard over and outboard mainly because of how expensive it is to have an outboard motor repaired or replaced.

Answer 3

These are advantages of outboard power from my own experience.  An inboard person will have to tell you about those.

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. Navigating shallow water or stumpfield? Parking on the beach? Spur of the moment prop change? No problem - engine tilts completely out of the water.

4. No bellows.

3. Trim meter broke? Who cares!

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 4

No one can say which engine is better without knowing what you are using the boat for...

They all have their own advantages and disadvantages:

As far as efficiency goes, a 4 stroke outboard is most likely going to be your best bet.

Inboards are better if: you are really into water sports and want something mainly for towing, also - if you are looking for a diesel (although I think their may be a few diesel outboards) inboards are the best choice.

Think of the outboard as a faster, more efficient engine, and the inboard as a more powerful engine

As far as inboard/outboards go - they are a mix between the two - and I really  think that they should be the last choice, they are more complicated then the inboard (having an outdrive) and still less powerful, and they are less efficient, and slower to an equivilent outboard...

Answer 5

out board is better