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Outboard vs. Inboard
On 24 Mar 2004 11:14:44 GMT, (HugYourPug) wrote:
What are the relative merits of each. I have been looking at some boats and the
inboards seem to offer a lot more boat for the money, but a lot of people buy
outboards, so there must be some merit there. Fishing, cruising and skiing are
the objective.
Disclaimer: I have always owned outboards except for my project boat
which just may become an outboard.
I/Os can be difficult to maintain, they are more complex mechanically
and I personally don't like the fact that there is a hole in my stern
- er...that didn't come out exactly right, but you get the idea. :)
On the other hand, the engines are basically good old V6/V8 technology
and pretty much bolt on for parts and the like. If you are a decent
jackleg mechanic, this can be a plus. On the other hand, the cooling
system can be much more complex. The majority of problems I see
around my marina with I/O installations revolve around cooling
problems.
Outboards are easier to maintain, if your boat is slipped you can get
the lower units out of the water, you get more cockpit room, easier to
flush them, I believe the performance curve is better (I am willing to
admit that others may not agree with that - personal opinion) and
efficiency in GPH is better - that is a observation based on
conversations with folks at my marina with I/Os - I have also heard
that I/Os are better than outboards. Don't know, never owned an I/O.
And, as in all things, the above is strictly my opinion based on
observation and personal experience with the FICHTS I own.
Good luck.
Later,
Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
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"Angling may be said to be so
like the mathematics that it
can never be fully learnt..."
Izaak Walton "The Compleat Angler", 1653
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