Which is better - inboard or outboard motor?

Question

I am thinking about purchasing a used fish and ski boat. Probably 18-19 foot. Some have outboard motors and some have inboard/outboards. Is there a difference in fuel efficiency?

Any other things I should consider?

Answer 1

Well an inboard is going to put the center of gravity nearer the middle of the boat which will help give a smoother ride in rough waters, but it will take up valuable space in the boat. Inboards tend to be 4 stroke which is more efficient and usually lower emmissions.  The outboard on the other hand you can always sell it if you decide to upgrade to a better/newer/ or more efficient model. where as the inboard your  most likely not going to be able to upgrade. With an outboard you can take it off the boat  and store it inside  while leaving the boat outside, and the outboard is not going to take up space inside the boat. If you need to have the motor serviced you can take just the motor to the shop not the whole boat as you would with an inboard. I have ridden in some boats with outboards that had really good performance.

Answer 2

Outboard.  If you want to work on it, inboard.

Answer 3

There are good and bad points on each motor. Outboards are big and in the way on a runabout yet I/O's take up space in side boat. Newer motors are mostly fuel injected so are reasonably fuel efficient. I/O's are quieter although 4 stroke's are pretty quiet. Depending on your climate I/O takes a little longer to winterize over 4 stroke outboards. and 2 stroke's are louder and  need oil in separate reservoirs to be mixed with fuel.

The best thing is don't worry about fuel efficiency as they really all suck but buy a boat and enjoy being on the water.

Answer 4

It's a matter of choice.  What you would like.  Both perform well in a well maintained boat.  I favor the I/O because they are easier to work on and do your own work and repairs.  I don't like the big Outboards because they throw a lot of  exhaust fumes back into the boat and you can smell them.  The I/O exhausts underwater, no fumes.  I like the Mercruiser I/O 5.7 liter.  Great Engine.  Electronic Ignition.   Parts are readily available, everybody works on them, easy self maintenance, dealerships are everywhere.    Things to consider are:   the age of the engine, be careful not to buy a Salt Water Cooled Engine that is older than 3 years old.  (Unless you buy it right).  You will have to spend a lot of money on it in repairs.  Have it professionally checked by a Marine Mechanic.    Make sure there are no auto parts on the boat.  Check for a Marine Starter, Marine Water Pump, Marine Carb, and Marine Alternator, etc.   Auto parts can cause an explosion on a boat.   Marine parts prevent  sparks that will ignite fuel vapors.  Try to buy a well maintained Boat that has a "Fresh Water Cooled Engine", if possible.  On an 18-19 footer you could probably get away with a 4cyl  I/O engine or a small Outboard.  Make sure you check the fuel tank.  On an older boat the tank may be rusted.  Fuel tanks are very expensive ($2000+) to replace if they are built into the hull. Check all the lights and gauges.  Check for overheat alarm and engine warning alarms.  Check the ignition system.    Check all of the electrical system on the boat, lights, horns, and engine harness.  Make sure the wires are not cut or frayed or burnt.  Check the hull for cracks and holes, or bad repairs.   Check all of the seats and cushions.  Very expensive to replace the seats in any boat.  Thousands. Check for the anchor and fire extinguishers.  Go to the Boat Shows and get some knowledge about the engines.  This time of year there are a lot of Boat Shows all over.   Buy it this time of the year, good prices.  Don't buy a boat you can't run in the water.  You want to water test it before you buy it.  Good Luck

Answer 5

Whichever is faster.

Answer 6

It Really depend,s how much cash you are willing to Part with, outboard if you have an over abundance of Cash, inboard if you are thrifty. one thing to take into consideration is, our local outboard shop rate is $90.00 per Hour, any good at Math?

as for Mileage? well it,s a boat, mileage is not and option.