shallow launch

[Dunromin]

I'm thinking of buying a small, older boat to use at a relatives cottage, probably 16-18 feet.
His launch is quite shallow, around 24"-34", depending on how far he backs the trailer in.
Which type of motor is best for this kind of situation, inboard or outboard, or is there no advantage, would an aluminum boat be preferable?

 

[Scott Danforth]

sit at the doc for a day and watch the type of boats being launched

 

[poconojoe]

Either one can be trimmed up when launching. I think the i/o engine may be heavier, so that could be a slight factor.
I think either will be fine.

On that note:
I have an i/o and next time it will be an outboard.

An i/o is way more work to winterize. An outboard doesn't have bellows that can leak and sink your boat. An i/o engine compartment needs to be vented of any gas fumes before starting, if not done, you can risk explosion. If there's a leak in the water cooling on an i/o, it can fill your bilge and eventually sink your boat. An i/o has a big hole in your transom. If the seal is bad, water intrusion can occur.

 

[Chris1956]

An OB will be easier to launch. First of all it is at least 600# lighter than the I/O, so the stern will not sink as deep.

Second the OB can be tilted up higher than the I/O, so the OD has less chance of dragging or catching on the bottom of the lake.

If the stern of the boat or outdrive hits bottom it is game over.

 

[Dunromin]

An OB will be easier to launch. First of all it is at least 600# lighter than the I/O, so the stern will not sink as deep.

Second the OB can be tilted up higher than the I/O, so the OD has less chance of dragging or catching on the bottom of the lake.

If the stern of the boat or outdrive hits bottom it is game over.

OK. All good stuff. Thanks to all.

 

[ahicks]

In today's world, I believe the market for I/O's is dropping quickly/significantly - caused by the huge popularity of the 4 stroke outboards. They can do anything the I/O's can do, and in many cases, do it better while being much more easily serviced.

I like the idea of an outboard (2 stroke or 4 stoke) for the shallow launching scenario.

Depending on the age of the boat, if hull repairs are required (transom. floor, stringers), alum. boats make MUCH better DIY projects.