Compare i/o HP to outboard HP ?

K-2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 3, 2011
Messages
406
250 HP i/o compared to a 250 HP outboard, same boat except power plants , will they perform roughly the same?
Is the HP to HP basically 1 to 1 ? or FOR EXAMPLE does it take 225 OB HP to equal 200 i/o HP , or vice versa?
What is your opinion and WHY?
 

82rude

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
4,082
As long as the hp is measured the same theres no diff.I.E both measured as propshaft hp.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,234
HP number may be the same, however the prop power curve is what matters (torque and RPM). A motor that makes 250 HP at 6000 RPM (218 lb ft), however hast a steep power curve ) best for a light, fast hull) has a different use than a motor that make 500 lb ft of torque At 2500 RPM, that gradually drops off as RPM rises holding 250 HP from 2500 RPM thru 4500 RPM (Best for towing, or larger heavier boats and hole shots)

So to answer your question, yes and no. 250hp = 250hp. However Horsepower is defined as the amount torque at a particular RPM (HP=Torque x RPM/5250)

The power curve for a 2-stroke is different than a 4-stroke than a diesel, than an electric.

The right motor must match the application, or overall performance is dismal.

I would not use a 250hp outboard on a 40,000 houseboat, and I would not use a 250hp diesel IO on a small 16' 400# fishing boat. The prop curve demand for each application would not be matched to the torque curve available from the motors
 
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