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

"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

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.

I have an I/O used primarily for fishing. I've also been on a friend's Parker
(outboard) fishing. Where I have an engine cover to contend with, I also have a
nice place to cut bait, tie lures, sit, etc. Although my friend doesn't have an
engine cover, he does have to use a large cooler or two on which to do the same
thing. So, the 'room' ends up being close to the same.

--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."