![]() ![]() ![]() This factor will depend to a great degree on what type of boat you’re looking at, and the types of engines the manufacturer builds with. Diesel engines still hold a reliability (and longevity) edge, but when it comes to gasoline inboards, their reliability is very similar to that of the outboards. Today’s outboards are, however, far more reliable than they were just a decade or two ago. There was a time when inboard engines and diesels in particular held a hands-down advantage over outboards when it comes to reliability. If you plan to keep your boat for years on end or if you’re buying used, it’s also important to remember that in the case of a complete engine failure it’s much easier to repower a boat with a fresh outboard engine than it is to replace an inboard. Since owner maintenance has been whittled down to just a few simple tasks, it’s more or less become a wash in the inboard versus outboard debate. But beyond that, you’ll need to call in a pro. Freshwater flushes, oil changes, and changing fuel filters can all still be done by any competent DIY boater. In the modern age, most boat owners will be taking care of the most basic maintenance chores, only. Modern computer-controlled engines of all types are complex enough that most boat owners address only the simplest of chores. Inboard engines coupled with stern drives also provides the ability to trim the drive unit up, but the only time that inboards are really ideal in shallow draft situations is when you have jet drives.įor a complete rundown on the different types of drive systems available with inboard engines and the strengths and weaknesses of each, see Inboard Drive Comparison: Stern Drive, Forward Drive, and Jet Drive. If you plan to go gunk-holing or would like to drive the boat up on a beach, outboard are great since you can kick up the engine. And in the 30 to 50 foot range there’s generally a mix. Below 30 or so feet, particularly if you have draft limitations or expect to keep the boat on a trailer, outboards have long been the favored choice. With modern monster-sized motors like the Mercury Marine Verado V-12 600-hp outboard, builders are placing outboards on larger and larger boats. Up to now, from 40 feet and up inboards have been the usual choice. Really if you get something, learn it and like how she looks.Will you opt for an inboard, or go the outboard route? Photos via Sea Ray Boats and Walstrom Marine Harbor Springs. I see more inboards on those on the water.they usually sound better with a lug/growl too! I guess the inboards are more popular in the bow riders because they do kind of look better which is opinionated. You'll probably get better/stiffer rudder torque and more power to pull multiple people or a huge tube with an inboard. I'd also venture to say that for water sports the inboard is safer because the person in the water would not be as close to the propeller or sharp skeg on an outboard but a safe captain makes all the difference. You could also look into jet drives since you are looking at boats. Obviously if you have a good sized SUV or full-size truck you will not have any problem with a 16-19' vessel. ![]() Thus easier on your tow vehicle's transmission and braking especially. Moreover, outboard craft may weigh less all together meaning sitting on a trailer on land so it is easier to tow. Hopefully, someone else could fill you in. I have heard the drive systems can be costly/need repairs, they look like a lot, a lot of moving parts. The engine is housed inboard and the drive system is mostly outside exiting the transom/back bottom of the hull. There is also a stern drive which is a hybrid between the two. They usually have 350s, 454s, some even 351s or an old mercury inboard setup with water jackets/cooling, some even air cooled. However, if you get an older runabout or ski boat they are generally pretty easy to work on if you are familiar with car engine work. Although, reversing with an outboard can be more difficult. ![]() Outboards you can generally run on plane shallower and tilt the motor to minimize the draft, on an inboard the prop, shaft and rudder are fixed and usually near the deepest part of the hull. IMO an outboard powered boat would be the better route to take for a first boat because they are generally less expensive and easier to operate/navigate but it depends on what type water/climate you are in too. You have it covered pretty well and everyone else has great points too. ![]()
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