InBoard vs OutBoard?

[Inti]

I'm a newbie to the boating world and Im cosidering buying my first boat. <br />But I'm not sure which way to go IB or OB!<br />Ive heard good and bad about both. <br />I'll primarily be using the boat in saltwater on the weekends w/ wife and family, for snorkling, diving, etc..<br /><br />What are the pros and cons of each?<br />And what recomendations can you offer a rookie?<br /><br />Thanx in advance,<br /><br />Inti

 

[Silvertip]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

For the recreational boater, I vote for outboard. If you are unhappy with the engine for any reason, its a simple matter to change brands, size, type. Not so with an inboard. Inboards are heavy and the drive and exhaust system negligence can lead to very expensive repairs. Inboards also take up much more interior space than an outboard. If you intend to buy something very big and heavy, then an inboard may be better although there are large boats with two and three outboards for power.

 

[Inti]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

No, I plan on getting something small in the 17 - 18 ft range. Is this case will outboard still be my best option?

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

Assuming this boat is under 20' <br />I would choose the outboard, and here is why!<br />They weigh less.(will help with the added weight of the dive gear)<br />They tend to have more interior space(Your gonna need it with the dive gear)<br />Will probably last longer in the salt environment.<br />Easier to tow (weight)

 

[javsam]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

having both, I like the fact that the I/O boats are better on gas than your typical outboard,and at 3 dollar gas thats important.<br />there are pros and cons to each

 

[migue]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

I will choose an outboard..As for recomendations. take a boat safety course, and be carefull with the idiots boating in Biscayne Bay on your typical weekend.

 

[dingbat]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

Outboard unless you get a FW cooled I/O and even then you can and will have issues becuse of the SW

 

[LubeDude]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

I have never owned an I/O, but have friends that have in the past, but now they have outboards.<br /><br />One very nice thing about an outboard is that when you have to work on them, you can just stand there and do it. Dang, even chaging the oil, filters, tuning up and such is a killer on your knees, chest, arms, No thanks, its outboards for me.

 

[QC]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

I have only owned I/Os and I vote for the OB. That should tell you something . . .<br /><br />

Originally posted by sam sloggy:<br /> I like the fact that the I/O boats are better on gas than your typical outboard

Not really true anymore, especially with the latest . . .

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

Outboards for salt water.

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

I have owned both and definitely vote the out board. The IB or IBOB are a real pain to service and winterize. Also you need to run a blower to prevent fuel fumes from exploding in the bilge during start up. Several times when I had IBOB and I needed to get started in a hurry like if you are almost being bashed on the rocks it's tough waiting out the blower. Also we fish all year up here so with my outboard I have now I don't need to worry about antifreeze and all of that. Once an IB is layed up you don't want to take it out until spring!

 

[Inti]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

Thanks for all the feed back guys. I think I'm def shifting towards on OB engine.<br />So to further complicate things <br />which outboard would you recommend, Mercury, Yamaha, Johnson, Evinrude,...???<br /><br />Thanx again guys!

 

[ewenm]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

and with the out board you can enjoy the wonderfull aroma of 2 stroke fuel, mix that with bait smells and you will certainly enjoy your boating----give me an i/o any day, and dont listen to all the mainenance scare storys-they all need service <br /><br />Ewen <br />4.3gxi-duoprop

 

[dolluper]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

Here's something to think about also, the newer outboards in 2000's are coming out four stroke with some fancier electronics =$$$$$$$$and they are much heavier than the older 2 stroke engines of even the same size in hp

 

[pine island fred]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

Think lubedude and quietcat might be giving good advice. I would listen to them. fred

 

[snapperbait]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

Forget the outboards and outdrives...<br /><br />A straight shaft inboard's the only way to fly...<br /><br />You want to swim and dive?... With a straight inboard you have a totally accessible transom for a large swim platform...

 

[Buttanic]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

I'm with snapperbait.

 

[trog100]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

they all seem to have their pros and cons..<br /><br />i recon outboards are perfect for small boats with medium power.. two strokes are okay..<br /><br />true inboards are perfect for bigger boats.. they take up too much room in small ones.. they also draw more draft.. no shallow water trolling and harder to trailer..<br /><br />inboard/outboards come in when u have a smallish boat and want oodles of cheap bottom end grunt and reasonable fuel economy.. powerfull four stroke outboards are huge and very expensive indeed.. big two strokes guzzle the gas..<br /><br />u makes your choice and takes your pick..<br /><br />trog100

 

[snapperbait]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

A straight inboard in a center console, like a Shamrock 17' for example, takes up no more room than the space under the console...<br /><br />As for draft.. I can handle 3' of water in my 21', with no problem..<br /><see boat at left <br /><br />As for trailering, there is no problem there either, as long as the trailer is well fitted and set up for the boat...<br /><br />Plus, there's no outboard to worry about snagging when you have a big fish on... True 360 degree fishability with a center console...<br /><br />No 2-stroke smoke either...<br /><br />The true inboard also offers much better weight distribution, AND the low center of gravity ,because the motor sits low inside the boat; offers much better stability and seaworthyness than ANY outboard powered boat can ever offer....<br /><br />Just the facts...

 

[fishingdan]

Re: InBoard vs OutBoard?

Here is a nice little article someone forwarded to me. Popular Mechanics took three identical boats and compared performance, fuel economy, costs, etc for these boats running an outboard, a gas I/O and a diesel I/O. <br /> Popular Mechanics' article<br /><br />I am sure some have seen this, but I thought it was interesting.