Comments below:
wrote in message
...
On Fri, 13 Feb 2004 22:33:33 -0400, "Ken Heaton"

wrote:

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.


If you are on a sailboat, and it's "blowing", why on earth do you need the
motor?

BB

Many boaters need their motor for the last bit of their sail to re-enter a
marina, etc. Some things are tricky to do with sails alone, especially if
its blowing and you are short handed. If you are having motor problems you
are going to try to get it running while sailing with some sea room, no?
--
Ken Heaton & Anne Tobin
Cape Breton Island, Canada
kenheaton AT ess wye dee DOT eastlink DOT ca