l. Inboard or ANY type is vastly better than an outboard. Reason: the
outboard prop being mounted far behind the tansom may come free of the
water and have the rpm go 'exponential' when the prop is not in the
water. When pooped by a boarding wave the transom hung outboard will
flood with water which will/may 'hydro-lock' then seize and stop.

2. Stern hung rudders will 'ventilate' - sucking air down the sides of
the rudder - thus making them VERY inefficient and causing humongous
drag. Stern mounted pintel hung rudders are usually an unbalanced
design requiring huge loads to move them off center when the boat is a
'at speed'; plus, are very vulnerable to breakage if the boat slips
backwards such as when hove-to.

The choice for a 'modern' boat: inboard engine with 'under-the-boat'
rudder.


thuIn article .com,
Lee308 wrote:

These two choices seem to vary widely in sailboats between 25 and 32
ft. What are your opinions on each. This boat will be a crusier, not a
marina livaboard.
Speed of boat is not an issue.

1) Diesel inboard or over the stern gas outboard?
Outboard easy to reach and repair/replace, no worry of shaft seal
leak and less thru hulls, but small diesel's are very fuel effcient
plus large alternator.
2) Over the stern rudder or binnacle/shaft type rudder?
Once more, seems the over the stern rudder would be less
problematical and repairable even at sea. No thru hulls or gears
would seem better.

Yout thoughts would be appreciated.
Lee (looking for my cruiser)