true inboards

[SystemF]

I haven't seen many posts on true inboards in this forum. Is the tranny/gearbox/whateveryouclal it more reliable than an I/O setup? I know what a V-drive is , but what is an L drive? Technically any I/O looks like an L-drive.

 

[Trent]

Re: true inboards

Force's L drive is a two stroke powerhead connected to a sterndrive. And its a POS!!

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: true inboards

Straight inboards are probably the most reliable and trouble free system on the market. Now the chances for damage in shallow water is greater, but you learn to read a chart real fast with an inboard. The handling characteristics of a single inboard is quite different but once you get the nack, you can do anything with an inboard that one can do with any other boat.

 

[Stanp]

Re: true inboards

I run a 31' silverton with twin screws off the jersey coast - that is 2 inboards and it has the v-drive setup. I guess, the simple answer to your question is that there are alot more i/o's, and outboards in operation than there are inboards-that is nationwide. On this discussion board, I see folks from all over the country and the vast majority own runabouts b/w 18' to 25'. When you look at websites that are more dedicated to offshore fishing, ie boatdiesel.com, yachtsurvey.com, inboards are more prevelent.

 

[SystemF]

Re: true inboards

Why are inboards more common on comp. skiboats *my next purchase*. Are they able to handle more power reliably? Does the way the sit *pointing down* provide more torque? What should I watch out for when looking the boat over as far as the shaft screw, rudder, etc are concerned?

 

[Jagsare1]

Re: true inboards

You generally see inboards on comp ski boats because of a few reasons. Very little power is lost between the engine and transmission which means more power to the prop. IB's have larger props with more blade area which translates to potentially more thrust with adequate hp. The IB is set low and in the center which allows the boat to plane quicker since the weight of the engine is in the center vs. the reas(stern) of the boat. Finally, more power is available with an IB vs. OB. Largest production OB I know of is a 300 hp. A small block IB can produce approx 325 hp without being unreliable. Final analysis: Lots of hp through efficient drive train through large high thrust prop equals a fast to plane hull that can tow a load without becoming "bogged" down.