Comments interspersed throughout:
"rhys" wrote in message
news
OK, I've got an old 33 footer powered by an Atomic 4...currently in
rebuild mode. Trust me...I've thought of this.


I'm looking for a boat to enjoy upon retirement this May. Being poor,
I'll have to settle for an older boat, 30-32 feet. I've seen a number of
boats
in my price range on my list, but have rejected the ones with an OB. But
then I got to wondering...should I do so?

snipped some good bits that were here

Advantages: ease of access,

Debateable actually, if you're out sailing and the weather is deteriorating,
say it's starting to rain and blow and you are having engine troubles, try
working on that 100 lb outboard while its hanging over the stern in the wind
and the rain. See what I mean? Not too hard to loose some small part or
tool overboard. With an inboard you're down below, probably uncomfortable
and dropping things, but they are still in the boat and you aren't opening
the engine to rain and spray.

more god bits snipped

Disadvantages: Easy to steal, easy to swamp in a seaway,

I've been out in a 35 footer (40% ballast ratio) in a lake on days when
occasionally water came over the stern from pitching while motoring into a
strong wind. I have a feeling that would be the end of the OB, especially
with the increased hobbyhorsing you'd get with all that extra weight so far
aft alternately lifting the prop out of the water and then driving it back
in.

more good bits snipped here

"rhys" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 12 Feb 2004 22:20:52 -0800, engsol
wrote:

Thanks....you've given me a number of considerations that hadn't occured
to me....fuel storage...theft...etc.
On the other hand, some things aren't a factor, such as a windvane.
Thanks again.
Norm

My pleasure. I can't answer my own question as to why boats over 27'
rarely, if ever, feature an outboard, but as I've lost significant
sailing time in the last few years due to mishaps with my inboard
engine, it certainly has occurred to me. In my case, with a pinched
reverse transom IOR-style stern, an outboard and its pivoting mount
would adversely affect its looks, and I like the boat's looks...

Oh, here's another downside: a lot of weight in the stern can affect
the balance of the boat and lead to unnecessary or undesirable
"hobbyhorsing" in certain sea conditions. To a degree, this is offset
by a high ballast ratio which on some older racer-cruisers is 40-50%,
but other models would "feel" 100-120 lbs. off the stern more than
others, just as they would "feel" 200 feet of chain and a 66 lb. Bruce
anchor at the bow.

That's why you'd want to strike a balance between OB power and getting
it off the stern: the trim settings of an OB can mitigate somewhat its
weight, but when it's off and stowed out of the water, it's like
having a woman hanging off the stern rail.

Which may appeal...I dunno...G

R.