This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Thanks
Ed

There are advantages and disadvantages to both - the choice is usually a
personal decision.
The size/type of boat is a consideration as well: an inboard is not
practical in a 12' jon boat.
A reason contributing to my choice of sterndrive for a 19' bowrider was the
opinion of several owners I spoke to, who said they didn't know much about
such things and were just as happy to have the engine in a box, out of view.
Some point out that a sterndrive takes up interior space. That's not always
significant: the engine box is my runabout has drink holders in it and is a
good place to mount rod holders, small trays to hold sunblock lotion,
handheld radio, flashlight, etc. It also becomes part of a crosswise lounge
seat when at anchor or beached.
Sterndrives tend to be quieter and more fuel efficient.
Outboards are supposedly less expensive to work on because they are easier
for mechanics to access.
I've also added a second battery (with a combiner) and battery selection
switch to my boat, as I have added radar, direction finding, GPS, 2 fixed
mount VHF radios, additional lighting and 12 volt outlets. It was easy to do
with a sterndrive; I don't know how easy to would be with an outboard
..
"ed" wrote in message
...
This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Thanks
Ed

"ed" wrote in message
...
This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Sal****er vs freshwater........how you store the boat............and the
center of gravity will be vastly different between comparible boats.


Thanks
Ed

It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make sure
it is not underpowered.

--
Tony
my boats and cars at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

-
"ed" wrote in message
...
This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Thanks
Ed

On Thu, 12 May 2005 09:17:56 -0700, "ed"
wrote:

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Let's address personal requirements first.

What kind of boat are you purchasing - a family runabout for fun in
the sun, a fish 'n ski type boat, bass boat or a fishing machine which
can be used as a family day cruiser or overnighter? Are you planning
on trailering the boat or using a slip? Have you looked at boats to
determine what it is you want to purchase? Do you know the difference
between cuddy cabin, center console, walkaround, cabin cruiser? You
need to determine what it is you wish to do and purchase, then move to
the different power types available.

There is also the new/used consideration - what are you looking to
purchase?

There are advantages to all three types of power which Harry detailed.
He left one out though- inboard to a jackshaft to an outdrive. You
don't see that all that often though. :)

For me, outboards are the best option for the type of boats that I
use/have - a 20 foot CC bay boat and a 32 foot Contender Fisharound.
I have two stroke direct injected outboards which are lighter,
quieter, efficient and give me more fuel economy that other types of
power available for these boats. I'm also a big proponent of DI type
two stroke outboards which others often are not. To each their own.

So there you have if. There are advantages to each type of available
power and they each have disadvantages. In my opinion, outboards are
the way to go.

We can discuss the different types of outboards when you figure out
what exactly it is you wish to purchase and if outboards are an option
for you.

Have fun looking.

Later,

Tom

"tony thomas" wrote in message
news:M3Rge.74265$r53.37275@attbi_s21...
It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make
sure it is not underpowered.

--

I am curious as to why you would suggest outboards for a fishing boat. It
seems to me that having the OBs hanging off the transom would be an
impediment to reeling in the big ones (or small ones for that matter).


--
Peter Aitken

On Thu, 12 May 2005 23:21:42 GMT, "Peter Aitken"
wrote:

"tony thomas" wrote in message
news:M3Rge.74265$r53.37275@attbi_s21...
It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make
sure it is not underpowered.

--

I am curious as to why you would suggest outboards for a fishing boat. It
seems to me that having the OBs hanging off the transom would be an
impediment to reeling in the big ones (or small ones for that matter).

Not really. With or without a bracket, a "tuna door" can be installed
with little or no muss, it looks good and if necessary, you can land
"the big one" through the door.

Later,

Tom

On Thu, 12 May 2005 23:21:42 GMT, "Peter Aitken" wrote:

"tony thomas" wrote in message
news:M3Rge.74265$r53.37275@attbi_s21...
It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make
sure it is not underpowered.

--

I am curious as to why you would suggest outboards for a fishing boat. It
seems to me that having the OBs hanging off the transom would be an
impediment to reeling in the big ones (or small ones for that matter).

Take 'em to the side of the boat.
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

Unless the boat is big enough to have true inboard(s), an I/O is going to be
in the way for fishing. This is why you see very few I/O fishing boats.

--
Tony
my boats and cars at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

-
"Peter Aitken" wrote in message
om...
"tony thomas" wrote in message
news:M3Rge.74265$r53.37275@attbi_s21...
It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make
sure it is not underpowered.

--

I am curious as to why you would suggest outboards for a fishing boat. It
seems to me that having the OBs hanging off the transom would be an
impediment to reeling in the big ones (or small ones for that matter).


--
Peter Aitken

On Fri, 13 May 2005 00:29:53 GMT, "tony thomas"
wrote:

Unless the boat is big enough to have true inboard(s), an I/O is going to be
in the way for fishing. This is why you see very few I/O fishing boats.

FYI: Just the other day, I saw a I/O, I'd guess around 25/27' or so,
with an extended swim platform, "tuna" door and the nicest cockpit
setup I've ever seen.

I haven't seen the owner yet, but I really want to find out who made
the boat - it almost looks custom.

Later,

Tom