inboard boat or outboard boat?

[danny9696]

Hi all I am new to this sight I have gotten lots of info from you all that was very helpful, now I have a HUGE question...

I just sold my 86 Hydro sport runabout/ bass boat, it has been my only boat and I loved the 200hp merc black max (treated it like a baby) problem was it was more of a bass boat and I have a large family (7) my wife and I decided we needed a V hull boat (bay liner Capri style).

Now my Huge Question, inboard or outboard? We play hard on the water, I know my outboard seemed to be in the way, most inboard boats have smaller engines and I have never ran one or been in one, don?t know what?s a well made brand, I am an auto mech but I am boat stupid I know enough about boats to sink myself. I want to beable to pull my family and friend and have a boat engine and outdrive I can service and repair and get parts for, thank you all for your help.

Any advice would be great help! Please HELP

 

[wuttja]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

For me, it was personal preference. You will probably get answers with strong opinions for both options but for me I preferred the I/O for looks, space, and towing toys. It's easy enough to get ropes that work great with outboards, etc. and if you are more comfortable working on outboards, then go for it. You mentioned you were an auto mechanic, so either should be ok. I have a 5.7L Merc V8 which is essentially a small block Chevy 350. Just remember to only use marine grade parts and fluids as the auto stuff doesn't hold up to marine conditions. Good luck!

 

[tbear1964]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

By inboard, can we assume you mean I/O or sterndrive? An inboard is a totally different animal, popular with wakeboard boats where the engine is located mid-cockpit and just the propeller and driveshaft protrude from the bottom of the hull.

Sterndrives are everywhere now.(marine built auto block with transmission[sterndrive] mounted to the transom) Basic maintenance is easy, especially if you are a mechanic. Most manufacturers offer smaller bowriders with "fish and ski" packages that will probably suit your needs. Just make sure you know what you want to use it for, and test alot of boats with several people aboard to simulate load conditions. If you're regularly going to carry 6 people, for instance, a 3.0L would be underpowered, IMO.

As far as manufacturers, Bayliner is considered an entry brand. Fit and finish is not as tight, and fixtures tend to be lower end, but it gets you on the water for less. The drivetrains are no different. A Merc is a Merc. Generally, as price goes up, so does quality, but at what price? That's up to you.

Go to a few boat shows. Most are starting right about now at local convention centers. Also take into account towing. Don't buy more than you can tow, or you'll be increasing your expenses.

Good luck and have fun. Ted

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: Inboard or outboard HELP

Re: Inboard or outboard HELP

the inboard will do about 30% better on gas and is MUCH quieter.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Inboard or outboard HELP

Re: Inboard or outboard HELP

if your into watersports with the family... an IO is going to give you much better TQ at lower rpms... where you want it.

But as Bubba said... this debate is like "ford vs chevy"

Your asking this question in the IO section of the forums... so your probably going to get answers that favor IO's here. If you post a similar question in the OB section, your sure to get answers that favor OBs.

Bottom line..... find 2 boats that you like. One with an IO, and 1 with an OB.
Test drive both boats with the entire family on board (as in make the boat heavy). Since it's a family boat see what the family thinks of both.

And if you do go with an IO.... just make sure you get one with either a Merc or VP setup. Stay away from OMC no matter how good a deal may seem.

 

[danny9696]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

Thank you all for your advice I hope to recieve more from you all, if you have opinions on the better I/O set up PLEASE feel free to line me out on what size engine and out drive you think is best,

You all have had great information, and to be honest if it has nut bolts and wires I like working on it, I will however stay out of the ford/chevy thing (DODGE).. I am really trying to get all the info on I/O boats because as much as I liked my merc O/B it was way loud and in the way, I did find a 19' 89 Regal w/4.3 mercruiser and I alway have the family in the Boat with me. But we live in a very remote area and finding a boat is a long travel so I try not to take the kids, but my wife has to aprove the looks of any boat befor we ever look at it:redface:

Thank you all again for your thoughts and opinions I am learning and I love it

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

it sounds to me like you have a space problem, i would like to suggest you look into Deck Boats, they are a cross between the space of a pontoon, and the V hull bowrider. space also being an issue. inboard/outboards, the engine takes up much valuable deck space, where an outboard hangs off the back.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

this is just a sample of what is available. http://www.hurricaneboats.com/

 

[pine island fred]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

Everyone should have one convertable auto and one I/O in there life time to get it out of there system. My neck of the woods, outboards outnumber I/O at least 10 to 1. FOR HIRE or commercial guys all run O/Bs. Even the smaller tugs pushing barges have twin O/Bs. Of course one factor may be that they can hang a loaner or spare easy enough if they develope engine problems and continue making a living. Nother thing to consider, you will buy too big of a motor, we all do, so you can hang it on your next larger boat in a year or so.
Could be a regional thing though. Notice driving by that big lake north of CHARLOTTE, an awful lot of I/Os. Whatever you decide on, good luck and enjoy. regards FRED

 

[bundick]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

I read these threads. Some day someone will have an actual bit of logic to point the reader in one direction or the other.

That brings up the question of sales and engineering at the Mfg level.
When they get the idea to make a boat for sale, what do they use for reasons when choosing a Power plant?

 

[JoLin]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

I read these threads. Some day someone will have an actual bit of logic to point the reader in one direction or the other.

That brings up the question of sales and engineering at the Mfg level.
When they get the idea to make a boat for sale, what do they use for reasons when choosing a Power plant?

bundick, one man's logic is another man's folly. You'll never see a definitive argument for one over the other. It's been said many time- it's Ford vs. Chevy. It's a matter of personal like vs. dislike, or personal experience, or esthetic preference... or what my daddy dun tol' me when I was a tyke.

Name any possible reason you can think of for choosing one over another, and somebody will be using that reason to logically define what's "best". There's no ultimate truth in this discussion that can tip the scales.

That said, I prefer outboards, but my next boat (if the deal goes through) will be an I/O. If my experience is good, I suppose I'll then prefer I/O's

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

Brunswick made boats only use Brunswick made power. Brunswick had around 30 different Brands of boats, and make Mercury, Mariner, Mercruisers.

over 23-24 feet should be inboard/outboard or straight inboard. if doing long cruising, you need twins.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

The reason for all the outboards in florida is salt. it is much easier to flush (and discard) an outboard. I strongly dislike outboard boats, and I have had both. Mostly it is the noise, even with nice new E tecs and the like. There is no substitute for a smooth GM V8 hiding below the floor. With a family that big I would be looking for a 20ft bowrider minimum, with a V8.

 

[QC]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

The reason that an engineering abortion like an I/O is popular in family runabouts is that they are simply the most flexible, comfortable and family friendly. I've had three of them, cuss each, but ultimately if you want to relax on the water, want to be able to operate in shallow water occasionally, trimmable for good top speed, reasonably efficient (latest OBs are as good or better), want a clean transom, like quiet operation (or V8 rumble), big swim platforms, understand simple 4 cycle automotive engines, I/Os are best. IMHO this cannot be disputed.

True inboards are innefficient, slow, and you can't get the prop off the rocks. Chicks don't dig OBs. It's that simple. Below 28 - 30 ft., if you are a die hard fisherman, commercial etc. then OB. Fanatical wakeboarder or tournament skier, IB. All else I/O . . .

Flame retardant shield going up

 

[Incorrigible]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

I found this post highly enlightening.

I have an I/O in my Mach I. I've also rebuilt it. CONS: Getting them in and out, and getting at them for repairs or maintenance requires a shop. Not your garage, a shop. Same for the lower unit. They are typically squeezed into a tiny little spot in your boat that could be used for other puposes such as live/baitwells for fishing boats, coolers for recreational boats, etc. etc. Additionally, they are HEAVY which requires more horsepower for the same speed (horsepower to weight ratio)

PROS: They are a LOT more quiet (lest you have thru hull exhaust, which negates that arguement) and are more effecient on a horsepower to horsepower comparison. Parts for I/O's are typically not as bad as OB's, and the vast majority are based on automotive blocks dating back DECADES and they are, fore the most part, idiot proof. Pretty much get in, turn the key, go boating, it's like driving a car.

I have twin OB's on my Wellcraft. Getting ready to start working on them.

CONS: They are louder than the I/O. Parts are expensive. Being two-strokes, they are smoky when coming into the pier or in SNW areas (especially with the wind at your back) Working on them? Tight fit, small area, lots and lots of engine under that cowling. Having to replace one is pricey incomparison.

PROS: They engine is RIGHT THERE. I've been on OB's and actually fixed the engine standing on the boat. When I hit the throttles together that boat launches. To get that ooomph off the line with I/O's I'd need twin big blocks, and then the fuel burn comparison favors the OB's. Replacement is a snap as you bolt one off, bolt one on (yeah, the cost difference is astronomical) Flushing the engine after saltwater use and winterizing is so simple it's scary. Oh, and as for space? The engines are not in the boat. The whole deck is mine.

The reality is this: What do you want to do with your boat, how apt are you to be doing your own repairs/maintenance, and what can you afford? Both set ups have their purpose and where one may excel and one may fail certain uses, you really need to look at a large number of concerns.

Based on what I read above, if you're looking for a knock-around, jack of all trades boat for family and friends, I prefer my I/O for most days. When the weather gets a little more demanding, or I really want to go out and push my luck a little in more challenging conditions? I love my OB's.

I know, I know: Doesn't make for much of an opinion does it?

 

[triumphrick]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

Outboards!! 2 stroke, 4 stroke whatever, all you need is to add a little fuel stabilizer; plugs and impellers every 200 - 300 hours, some lower unit oil changes and that's it. My 86 Yamaha 90 lasted me 10 years with only simple maintenance. Looked and ran great when it was sold. You can do like the Coast Guard and buy yourself a 4 stroke Honda and run it 8,000 - 10,000 hrs and then decide to trade it. Or get a good Yamaha and make it nearly as long.
I/O's need bellows, gimbals, exhaust maniflods, starters and a way to get to all that stuff!!

And the debate rages.....

 

[chiefalen]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

On a lake a open front 21 footer with a outboard. E-tec good choice.

On the ocean or saltwater a i/o 21 footer cuddy cabin with A 5.0 OR 4.3 VOLVO FIRST MERC SECOND, and if i had the money a mpi ,omc do not even consider.

Heres the reasons, the outboard will last 20-30 years in fresh water, maybe 5-6 in saltwater.

The i/o takin care correctly will last 30 years in saltwater.

21 footer is easy to trailer also,but i suppose you can go to 23-25 but then you need alot more hp.

Nope 21 footer with a 4.3 mpi or 5.0 volvo first merc second in saltwater.

My 2 cents for what it's worth.

 

[INJUN]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

I'd take an inboard-straight shaft to the prop first. There's nothing between the motor and the prop but the tranny and the shaft. There's less parts to give you trouble.

Second, the outboard, cause the shaft changes direction only once (90 deg.) to the prop, more parts than the straight inboard and the hull is not compromised, but still better than . . .

Third, the I/O, the shaft passes thru a huge hole in the hull and turns twice to get to the prop. There's alot of parts to worry about there, let alone the rubber boot.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

Deleted had a brain fart.

 

[QC]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

Not necessary now that Chief's fart is completed, err deleted . . .

 

[Don S]

Re: inboard boat or outboard boat?

Heres the reasons, the outboard will last 20-30 years in fresh water, maybe 5-6 in saltwater.

The i/o takin care correctly will last 30 years in saltwater.

Do you make up this information? Where does it come from?