What do you think? Inboard or outboard?

[speed29668]

What do you think? Inboard (I/O) or outboard? Of course I already have an opinion and I expect the results to be skewed a certain way due to the forum this is posted in, but I would like to hear your specifc reasons as to why you feel the way you do. Interested in both freshwater and saltwater use. Also intersted in what you have to say!

 

[steelespike]

Re: What do you think? Inboard or outboard?

Straight inboard has better weight distribution,<br />generally will track better at docking speeds,<br />is difficult to steer in reverse generally not as responsive steering at docking speed.trimming<br />is not as good and requires tabs.It generally doesnt bound around as much as either of the others.<br /> An IO is very manuverable,very tail heavy,<br />usually wanders at slow speeds,generally slower to plane than a straight inboard,more complicated to maintain.trimming the boat is easier.<br /> Outboard is very manuverable somewhat tail heavy,<br /> wanders a little less than an IO,planes guicker than an IO,is easier to maintain is a little more limited on HP than either of the others.Outboard has the obvious advantage of an easy motor change.Of course both the IO and outboard can be tipped up for beaching etc.<br /> I prefer the straight inboard overall, although the both of the others are more easy to handle.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: What do you think? Inboard or outboard?

Agree with Spike on handling.<br /><br />Also need to consider what you are going to do with the boat and where you are going to do it.<br /><br />River and small lake fishing, waterfowl hunting---outboard is very maneuverable and better in shallows.<br /><br />Pulling skiers---I/O is my preference due to excellent low end pulling power. Straight inboard also good here due to mid-engine design of ski boats which reduces wake and allows shallow water operation.<br /><br />Running whitewater or spinning circles for fun---jet drive is best here but you will need lots of $$ for fuel. (see the post on I/O vs. Jet power)<br /><br />Big water anything----I wouldn't go out without two motors. I like outboards in saltwater because they are easy to flush. A guy in our state just killed two of his friends fishing on the Great Lakes with too small a boat and only one motor.<br /><br />One boat can't do it all. You need at least three!<br /><br />Also check your insurance policy---many standard Home or Watercraft policies do not cover your boat on the Great Lakes or more than 1/2 mile from shore on the coasts.