On Fri, 01 Sep 2006 15:27:31 GMT, Shortwave Sportfishing
wrote:

On 31 Aug 2006 07:39:53 -0700, "Archie Bunker"
wrote:

Our family is rapidly outgrowing the boat. Its time for a bigger one.
On a pleasure boat, mainly used for tubing, hydrosliding etc., what are
the disadvantages and advantages of outboards compared to inboards as
far as performance, handling, fuel economy, reliability, longevity?

Interesting question.

I'll readily admit that I'm an outboard type - I much prefer outboards
for a lot of reasons, up to and including performance, economy and
lots of power in a small package.

Having said that, for the application you are interested in, I/O or
straight inboards are probably the best choice. Outboards have the
disadvantage of eating up a lot of stern so things like swim platforms
are not practical. And with an outboard, there is always the issue of
danger with a prop exposed - SS props can be sharp and even at idle or
stopped can be a hazard. This is also true with an I/O, but it's not
as dangerous as the I/O will hang the prop lower - plus there is a
swim platform that one can get in and out of.

Inboard boats for your application are probably the best overall bet
because everything is hung under the boat. In addition, you can
really get freaky with the horsepower. :)

As to handling, in my opinion, outboards out handle I/Os and inboards
but that's a personal preference. I've been on inboards that handled
like a sports car the steering was so responsive. Then again, I can
do much the same with my outboards so I consider that a wash.

My experience with outboards in terms of economy and reliability has
been excellent compared to others who have inboards or I/Os. Generally
maintenance is less (Note: I'm a big two stroke guy so maintenance is
somewhat less than four strokers). Outboards are generally quicker to
diagnose/repair and the cost are somewhat diminished by the fact that
it's exposed and easier to get to than an inboard or I/O.

And that, in my opinion, is that. :)

And I/O's can take up a lot of room in the boat. My next will be an
outboard for many of the reasons mentioned above.
--
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***** Hope your day is great! *****
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John