which is better inboard or outboard engines

Outboard engines are better for saltwater. While outboard

engines are as prone to saltwater corrosion as inboards, boaters opt for them because it’s easy to trim them up out of the water to prevent saltwater from creating salt build-up. They are also easier to clean and maintain than inboards.

Full Answer

Are inboard or outboard motors better for your boat?

Recently, the new boat models tend to come with outboard motors. Do you think it’s a sign that the outboards are better than the inboard types? Which of these machines would be best for your boat? Well, you are about to find out. Here, we’ll touch on inboard vs. outboard motors. Yes, it’s safe to choose what you deem as the best engine.

Are outboard engines better for saltwater?

Outboard engines are better for saltwater. While outboard engines are as prone to saltwater corrosion as inboards, boaters opt for them because it’s easy to trim them up out of the water to prevent saltwater from creating salt build-up. They are also easier to clean and maintain than inboards.

How do outboard engines work?

An outboard engine is a boat propulsion system that delivers power to a boat via an engine mounted on the outside hull of a boat. They can be operated by hand in smaller boats or connected to a steering and power system (similar to the look and feel of a car) in larger boats.

Do outboards lack power and torque?

With mostly positive attributes, outboards do lack power and torque. In order to get the power an inboard engine produces, there must be multiple outboard engines mounted on the transom. 3. INBOARD/OUTBOARD (I/O) ENGINE Inboard/Outboard (I/O) engines otherwise known as Sterndrive combines inboard power with outboard driveability.

Why are outboard motors better than inboard?

Outboards offer better power to weight ratio. Typical a four-stroke outboard is approximately 400 to 500 pounds lighter than its inboard/outboard counterpart. Outboards have a more shallow draft allowing you to fish and boat in skinnier water than you can with an I/O.

Is inboard or outboard better for saltwater?

Outboard Motor: What's Right For You? Inboard engine boats are better suited for performing water sports. As well as powering large vessels that require a lot of horsepower to move the boat. Outboard engine boats are better suited for shallow water, salt water, and pontoon boats.

What type of boat engine is best?

Best Outboard Engines In 2021Suzuki DF90A.Yamaha F25.Suzuki DF25A.Mercury 90-150 FourStroke Lineup.Mercury SeaPro 500HP.Mercury Verado 600HP V12.Torqeedo Deep Blue.Yamaha V-Max SHO 115.More items...•

Why are outboards more popular?

Outboard engines are becoming increasingly popular for many reasons, one being that they are generally lower maintenance and less time intensive when needing service. Because of where they're placed on the boat, they're easy to access when troubleshooting.

Which is more fuel-efficient inboard or outboard?

Inboard Diesel Sterndrive has Greater Fuel Efficiency With both boats running at 25 knots, the outboard-powered petrol boat burned 15.8 gallons (60 litres) of fuel per hour. In comparison, the inboard sterndrive-equipped boat burned through only 10.6 gallons (40L) per hour.

Why do Florida boats use outboard motors?

Outboard motors are easy to maintain when compared to inboard motors because of their positioning. They also maximize the usable space inside the boat.

How long do outboard motors last?

A typical estimate from the industry is that an outboards motor last around 1,500 hours of operation. Assuming the average owner uses their boat 200 hours a year, this would mean that the motor would last between seven and eight years.

Which outboard motor brand is most reliable?

Suzuki DF90. This outboard engine is of four-stroke, and it has 90 horsepower. It is the best engine to repair because it has a bit long tooth that can be functional for 8 years and more.

How many hours on outboard is a lot?

1500 hoursHow many hours on a boat is considered high? If you are looking at a marine gasoline-powered boat to purchase that has reached 1500 hours, this is considered a lot.

What type of boat is easiest to maintain?

If you are looking for the best family boat for the money, a pontoon boat should be considered. They are stable, usually equipped with more creature comforts such as comfy seats, and spacious enough for a cooler or two.

Why are boats going to outboards?

Compared with all three other propulsion systems that basically have an engine in the boat, using multiple outboards makes the boat faster because of a beneficial power-to-weight ratio and, in most cases, the outboards are more fuel-efficient.

Are outboard motors hard to maintain?

Outboard Motor/Engine Care. It's easy to keep your outboard in tip-top shape, even if you're not a mechanic. Preventive boat motor maintenance facilitates safe boating and can keep your motor reliable for a long time.

Are inboard motors good in saltwater?

It doesn't matter what propels your boat — inboard, outboard, I/O, jet drive — nothing on your boat that comes in contact with saltwater is immune to its corrosive powers.

Is salt water hard on outboard motors?

Although saltwater can easily damage an outboard motor, there is not need to forgo saltwater boating. Instead, pay careful attention to regular and preventative maintenance that will help keep your outboard motor clean during saltwater use.

Can an outboard motor be used in saltwater?

Can Any Outboard Motor Be Used in Saltwater? In 2020, all outboard motors will function equally well in freshwater or saltwater. Therefore, any outboard motor can be used in saltwater.

Why do ocean boats have outboards?

Compared with all three other propulsion systems that basically have an engine in the boat, using multiple outboards makes the boat faster because of a beneficial power-to-weight ratio and, in most cases, the outboards are more fuel-efficient.

What is an inboard engine?

Put simply, an inboard engine is inside the boat. You don’t see it hanging off the back of the boat. Inboards have an internal impeller and intake with a jet that sends water out the back.

Where are outboard engines mounted?

Outboard engines are mounted entirely externally on the back (transom) of the boat. The main mechanism works like an inboard, it’s just that the impeller and intake are all external and visible.

Why are inboards good for waterskiing?

Inboards are good for waterskiing, wakeboarding and other watersports because of their towing power, wake control and clearance for tow ropes. If you’ve ever gotten a tow rope caught in your motor, you’ll appreciate that factor.

Where is the I/O engine on a boat?

Sometimes called a stern drive, the I/O engine is typically at the back of the boat (hence the word “stern”). The drive system goes through the transom of the boat. It doesn’t have a rudder like a true inboard. It’s able to turn the drive system left or right, and up or down, to move the boat. This pushes the boat up and out of the water to get a higher top speed than you would get with a true inboard. A true inboard can’t trim up or down.

What is the difference between an inboard and an outboard motor?

The main difference between an inboard and an outboard engine is their placement in the boat. An inboard is hidden within the boat and an outboard is 100% visible. The boat on the left has an inboard or sterndrive motor and the boat on the right has an outboard motor. When you initially purchase your boat you will have to select ...

What Boats Usually Have an Outboard Engine?

You will see outboard engines on pontoons, aluminum boats, bass boats, bowriders, small cruisers, and some high-performance off-shore speed and fishing boats.

What is an Inboard Motor?

An inboard engine, sometimes referred to as an inboard motor or as sterndrive, is a boat propulsion mechanism that sits inside the hull of the boat permanently. The inboard engine is connected to a driveshaft, which controls the direction of the propeller, steering the boat.

How Much Does an Inboard Motor Cost?

Inboard engines can cost anywhere from $8,000 all the way up to $25,000 and potentially above. For example, on a boat builder of a popular bowrider brand, with an inboard motor, the cost fluctuated by almost $20K just by changing the engine. The lowest cost engine and the highest cost engine for the same boat changed the total MSRP for that boat by over $50K.

What is an I/O engine?

An I/O engine is considered a mix of an inboard and an outboard because the engine is inside, but the propeller/rudder is outside . This type of engine is advantageous because the propeller actually steers the boat itself and you can lift it up to avoid shallow water or obstacles.

How does an outboard motor work?

The outboard engine steers the boat itself by moving left or right. This means the entire engine unit moves and acts as a rudder. Outboard motors are more common in boating because they are slightly less expensive, allow more flexibility, more seating capacity, and are easier to maintain.

What is true inboard?

True Inboard. When a boat has a true inboard engine, the engine will be placed in the center of the boat (inside the boat) and have a driveshaft connected to a propeller, which will give the boat power. The propeller does not steer the boat. Instead, there is a separate rudder, which controls the steering. In a true inboard, the propeller is in ...

What is the difference between an inboard and an outboard motor?

Outboards are positioned up out of the water (hence the name) and take up space off of the stern. About 90% of the engine itself is always above water.

Why is the power to weight ratio less with an inboard or outboard?

In the same sense, the power to weight ratio is less with an inboard because it’s heavier than an outboard. This can also impact the weight capacity you get with the boat itself as the inboard will eat up some of that space. Something else that differs in the performance of these two engines is the ability to trim.

How does trimming an outboard engine affect the boat's performance?

Something else that differs in the performance of these two engines is the ability to trim. By trimming an outboard engine up and down, you can affect the boat’s performance while underway . This is also helpful if you find yourself in shallow water and need to raise the engine so it doesn’t hit the bottom.

How much horsepower does an outboard boat have?

Outboard manufacturers have also begun offering high powered options. The range of horsepower runs from 9.9HP all the way up to 600HP. Depending on the boat and engine combo, you now have the capability to run a pontoon at 50 plus miles an hour if you want.

What is an outboard boat?

Outboards are typically found on aluminum boats such as pontoons and fishing boats. That’s not set in stone, there are exceptions to both. For instance, the region in which you boat can impact how the dealer orders their inventory and which engines they select.

Why is an I/O not common?

An I/O, or stern drive, is not common on boats that are used for watersports because of where the propeller sits. The advantage to an I/O over an inboard is the ability to trim the propeller. To trim an engine means to lift it in and out of the water using controls at the helm.

Where is the inboard motor located?

As I mentioned above, an inboard motor is located inside of the boat and is covered by an enclosure or a bench-style seat or lounge. The positioning of an inboard allows the propeller to be tucked up underneath the boat making it less invasive and safer for entering and exiting the boat.

What is the advantage of an outboard motor?

Another notable advantage of the outboard is that its position on the boat makes replacing the motor a simpler process than the inboard. Indeed, replacing an inboard is often an expensive and time-consuming task. This capability means that you can easily upgrade to a new, more powerful motor should you wish to – all without the need for specialist tools or professional expertise. This same simplicity also carries over to repairing and maintaining an outboard. That is if you need to do so. Outboard motors are famous for their dependability.

How to spot an inboard motor?

You can spot an inboard at the port by the distinct rudder used to steer the ship. Fishing trawlers on the high seas rely on these of their lower center of gravity. At the same time, slalom skiers enjoy their smaller wake. Larger vessels, like yachts, also use inboard motors but require bigger models, which cannot be placed on the rear of the hull.

How many outboard motors were sold in 2016?

In fact, more than 165,500 outboard motors were sold in 2016. Some pundits have argued that this is due to consumer preferences, while others have said it is more cost-effective to install for manufacturers.

Where is the inboard motor located?

Inboard motors are often housed in a large box in the middle of the vessel. This center of gravity is a huge benefit to a drifting experience.

Where is the housing on an outboard motor?

As touched upon earlier, outboard motors are used praised for their low, no-nonsense maintenance requirements. Situated at the rear of the hull, their housing protects the inner workings of the motor from the environment.

Is the market for outboard motors huge?

With sales figures as high as those quoted earlier, it is little wonder that the market for outboard motors is huge. No, gigantic. What this means for consumers is that there is ample choice out there. There is an outboard motor to suit any and every function for fishing, recreational boating, or small commercial outfits.

Do motors outclass each other?

outboard debate. Like your own kids or car collection, each one has its own merits and quirks. Nevertheless, the motors do outclass one another in specific categories and areas. As such, must depends on what you plan to do with your boat and your personal preferences. Freshwater or saltwater? Manoeuvrability or stability? Speed or stamina? All of these questions, alongside a million more, ought to be considered.

Which is better, an inboard or an outboard?

Boating enthusiasts have varying opinions about which may be better, too. Drifting on the high seas with an inboard, for example, to many is better because of the centered weight reducing the boat motion. Outboard loyalists will suggest an engine mounted at the back of the boat is best for control and speed.

Why are outboard motors so popular?

And considering some suggest the reduced risks of fire hazards, along with the reduced pricing structure for outboard motors , they end up being more popular with boating enthusiasts.

How long do inboard motors last?

Inboard motors, for example, tend to last longer than outboard motors. And maintenance requirements, based on hours of use, often favor the inboards. Inboards on average can run 1,500 hours before tune-ups, while the outboard counterparts typically run 750 hours before service is needed.

How long before a tune up for an inboard motor?

Inboards on average can run 1,500 hours before tune-ups, while the outboard counterparts typically run 750 hours before service is needed. But buying the inboard motor will cost you more upfront and can require more expensive insurance coverage. What you will find on most new boats today.

How many outboard boats were sold in 2012?

More specifically, there were 127,981 outboard boats sold in 2012 and 165,435 in 2016. Many suggest it’s one part consumer demand and two parts more cost-effective to install and maintain the outboard versions.

Where is the inboard motor on a boat?

As the names imply, an inboard motor is mounted inside the boat and usually at the hull. Gas versions feature combustible engines with cylinders. The outboard motor design means the engine is placed outside the boat, typically in the back or stern of the craft.

Does buying an inboard motor cost more?

But buying the inboard motor will cost you more upfront and can require more expensive insurance coverage.

What are the different types of inboard engines?

Here’s a simple breakdown of each model to help you decide which one is right for you. 1. INBOARD ENGINE. There are 2 types of Inboard engines, D-Drive and V-Drive.

What are the advantages of sterndrive over outboard?

The advantages of a sterndrive over an outboard engine are sterndrives have more horsepower and allow for a more attractive transom as the engine is hidden beneath the boat. They are also easier to fish on.

What is an I/O engine?

Inboard/Outboard (I/O) engines otherwise known as Sterndrive combines inboard power with outboard driveability. The engine’s drive unit lies just below the swim deck with the motor mounted under the transom. Sterndrives are mostly used in “pocket cruisers” aka, boats less than 30 feet long that have amenities like a head, galley, and sleeping quarters.

What is a V drive motor?

V-Drive motors are stowed under the transom seating, with a Prop and Rudder built into the hull (underneath the boat). V-Drive Inboard engines are most commonly found on watersport boats making it easy to wakeboard, wakesurf, tube, kneeboard, and anything else you want to try behind the boat, including skiing.

Where are outboard engines mounted?

Outboard engines are mounted on the outside of the boat, high on the transom and can be tilted completely out of the water making it very easy to perform maintenance and if need be, replace. With mostly positive attributes, outboards do lack power and torque.

What boats use V drive?

Here’s a list of popular boat manufacturers that use V-Drive inboard motors Malibu Boats, Nautique, MasterCraft, Moomba, Tige, Supra, MB and more.

What are the advantages of sterndrives?

The advantages a sterndrive has over an inboard are sterndrives have no need for a prop shaft or rudder system making it easy to trailer and operate in shallow water. Sterndrives also allow for more space in the interior passenger cabin of the boat as the engine is mounted all the way in the back of the boat.

Inboard Motors

Outboard Motors

The Hybrid

Cost Comparisons

Maintenance Costs

Power Comparison

So, Which One Is Best?

• There you have it: a complete guide to outboard vs. inboard motors. To recap, the advantages of an inboard motor are that they have brilliant fuel efficiency, superior torque and power, and increased life expectancy, and quiet operation. Whereas its downsides are that there is reduced interior space, higher purchasing costs, labor-intensive mainten...

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