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.

turn around and go back offshore. If you are having engine problems (unlikely
for most modern outboard engines, but rather more likely with a crudded up
diesel fuel tank) and you manage to get the engine running is STILL far more
likely to have continuing engine problems.

If you are entering a marina in a blow and you are worried about your engine
you used bad judgement. If you used bad judgement, an outboard is more
reliable than your inboard with a precise fuel system with known junk in the
fuel tank.