I/B vs O/B
 

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Thanks
Ed

There are advantages and disadvantages to both - the choice is usually a
personal decision.
The size/type of boat is a consideration as well: an inboard is not
practical in a 12' jon boat.
A reason contributing to my choice of sterndrive for a 19' bowrider was the
opinion of several owners I spoke to, who said they didn't know much about
such things and were just as happy to have the engine in a box, out of view.
Some point out that a sterndrive takes up interior space. That's not always
significant: the engine box is my runabout has drink holders in it and is a
good place to mount rod holders, small trays to hold sunblock lotion,
handheld radio, flashlight, etc. It also becomes part of a crosswise lounge
seat when at anchor or beached.
Sterndrives tend to be quieter and more fuel efficient.
Outboards are supposedly less expensive to work on because they are easier
for mechanics to access.
I've also added a second battery (with a combiner) and battery selection
switch to my boat, as I have added radar, direction finding, GPS, 2 fixed
mount VHF radios, additional lighting and 12 volt outlets. It was easy to do
with a sterndrive; I don't know how easy to would be with an outboard
..
"ed" wrote in message
...
This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Thanks
Ed

"ed" wrote in message
...
This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Sal****er vs freshwater........how you store the boat............and the
center of gravity will be vastly different between comparible boats.


Thanks
Ed

It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make sure
it is not underpowered.

--
Tony
my boats and cars at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

-
"ed" wrote in message
...
This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Thanks
Ed

On Thu, 12 May 2005 09:17:56 -0700, "ed"
wrote:

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Let's address personal requirements first.

What kind of boat are you purchasing - a family runabout for fun in
the sun, a fish 'n ski type boat, bass boat or a fishing machine which
can be used as a family day cruiser or overnighter? Are you planning
on trailering the boat or using a slip? Have you looked at boats to
determine what it is you want to purchase? Do you know the difference
between cuddy cabin, center console, walkaround, cabin cruiser? You
need to determine what it is you wish to do and purchase, then move to
the different power types available.

There is also the new/used consideration - what are you looking to
purchase?

There are advantages to all three types of power which Harry detailed.
He left one out though- inboard to a jackshaft to an outdrive. You
don't see that all that often though. :)

For me, outboards are the best option for the type of boats that I
use/have - a 20 foot CC bay boat and a 32 foot Contender Fisharound.
I have two stroke direct injected outboards which are lighter,
quieter, efficient and give me more fuel economy that other types of
power available for these boats. I'm also a big proponent of DI type
two stroke outboards which others often are not. To each their own.

So there you have if. There are advantages to each type of available
power and they each have disadvantages. In my opinion, outboards are
the way to go.

We can discuss the different types of outboards when you figure out
what exactly it is you wish to purchase and if outboards are an option
for you.

Have fun looking.

Later,

Tom

"tony thomas" wrote in message
news:M3Rge.74265$r53.37275@attbi_s21...
It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make
sure it is not underpowered.

--

I am curious as to why you would suggest outboards for a fishing boat. It
seems to me that having the OBs hanging off the transom would be an
impediment to reeling in the big ones (or small ones for that matter).


--
Peter Aitken

On Thu, 12 May 2005 23:21:42 GMT, "Peter Aitken"
wrote:

"tony thomas" wrote in message
news:M3Rge.74265$r53.37275@attbi_s21...
It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make
sure it is not underpowered.

--

I am curious as to why you would suggest outboards for a fishing boat. It
seems to me that having the OBs hanging off the transom would be an
impediment to reeling in the big ones (or small ones for that matter).

Not really. With or without a bracket, a "tuna door" can be installed
with little or no muss, it looks good and if necessary, you can land
"the big one" through the door.

Later,

Tom

On Thu, 12 May 2005 23:21:42 GMT, "Peter Aitken" wrote:

"tony thomas" wrote in message
news:M3Rge.74265$r53.37275@attbi_s21...
It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make
sure it is not underpowered.

--

I am curious as to why you would suggest outboards for a fishing boat. It
seems to me that having the OBs hanging off the transom would be an
impediment to reeling in the big ones (or small ones for that matter).

Take 'em to the side of the boat.
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

Unless the boat is big enough to have true inboard(s), an I/O is going to be
in the way for fishing. This is why you see very few I/O fishing boats.

--
Tony
my boats and cars at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

-
"Peter Aitken" wrote in message
om...
"tony thomas" wrote in message
news:M3Rge.74265$r53.37275@attbi_s21...
It really depends on the boat. If your talking about a fishing boat then
chances are it is an outboard you want. For a cruiser/runabout - I/O
For at 30' cruiser - inboard.

But there are variations to this.
Decide the boat and the engine will probably decide for you. Just make
sure it is not underpowered.

--

I am curious as to why you would suggest outboards for a fishing boat. It
seems to me that having the OBs hanging off the transom would be an
impediment to reeling in the big ones (or small ones for that matter).


--
Peter Aitken

On Fri, 13 May 2005 00:29:53 GMT, "tony thomas"
wrote:

Unless the boat is big enough to have true inboard(s), an I/O is going to be
in the way for fishing. This is why you see very few I/O fishing boats.

FYI: Just the other day, I saw a I/O, I'd guess around 25/27' or so,
with an extended swim platform, "tuna" door and the nicest cockpit
setup I've ever seen.

I haven't seen the owner yet, but I really want to find out who made
the boat - it almost looks custom.

Later,

Tom

I would talk a little about what you are planning to do with your boat.

What size boat do you think you need?

Bill Kiene

Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA, USA

Web site: www.kiene.com


"ed" wrote in message
...

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Thanks
Ed

Im looking to use it for fishing mainly and a little cruising. I live in the
Pacific Northwest and there are a lot of places to go see. Im not sure what
size I should get yet. I was also wondereing is it better to trailer a boat,
to have it moorage? Does marinia have drydock storage ? I have a lot to
consider. Any advice is appreciated.

thanks
Ed
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 12 May 2005 09:17:56 -0700, "ed"
wrote:

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Let's address personal requirements first.

What kind of boat are you purchasing - a family runabout for fun in
the sun, a fish 'n ski type boat, bass boat or a fishing machine which
can be used as a family day cruiser or overnighter? Are you planning
on trailering the boat or using a slip? Have you looked at boats to
determine what it is you want to purchase? Do you know the difference
between cuddy cabin, center console, walkaround, cabin cruiser? You
need to determine what it is you wish to do and purchase, then move to
the different power types available.

There is also the new/used consideration - what are you looking to
purchase?

There are advantages to all three types of power which Harry detailed.
He left one out though- inboard to a jackshaft to an outdrive. You
don't see that all that often though. :)

For me, outboards are the best option for the type of boats that I
use/have - a 20 foot CC bay boat and a 32 foot Contender Fisharound.
I have two stroke direct injected outboards which are lighter,
quieter, efficient and give me more fuel economy that other types of
power available for these boats. I'm also a big proponent of DI type
two stroke outboards which others often are not. To each their own.

So there you have if. There are advantages to each type of available
power and they each have disadvantages. In my opinion, outboards are
the way to go.

We can discuss the different types of outboards when you figure out
what exactly it is you wish to purchase and if outboards are an option
for you.

Have fun looking.

Later,

Tom

Ed,
The power to weight/size ratio is substantially better with a O/B than an
I/B or an I/O, which is important with most trailorable boats. O/B or I/O
allow you to trim the prop for better efficiency. In trailerable fishing
boats most experts would recommend an O/B for these reasons.

As far as storing the boats on a trailer vs. using a mooring, I would
recommend storing it on a trailer. You will not have problems with marine
growth on the hull, you will not have problems with blisters, and in my
opinion it easier to maintain from a trailer than on the water.

"ed" wrote in message
...
Im looking to use it for fishing mainly and a little cruising. I live in
the Pacific Northwest and there are a lot of places to go see. Im not sure
what size I should get yet. I was also wondereing is it better to trailer
a boat, to have it moorage? Does marinia have drydock storage ? I have a
lot to consider. Any advice is appreciated.

thanks
Ed
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 12 May 2005 09:17:56 -0700, "ed"
wrote:

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get
a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Let's address personal requirements first.

What kind of boat are you purchasing - a family runabout for fun in
the sun, a fish 'n ski type boat, bass boat or a fishing machine which
can be used as a family day cruiser or overnighter? Are you planning
on trailering the boat or using a slip? Have you looked at boats to
determine what it is you want to purchase? Do you know the difference
between cuddy cabin, center console, walkaround, cabin cruiser? You
need to determine what it is you wish to do and purchase, then move to
the different power types available.

There is also the new/used consideration - what are you looking to
purchase?

There are advantages to all three types of power which Harry detailed.
He left one out though- inboard to a jackshaft to an outdrive. You
don't see that all that often though. :)

For me, outboards are the best option for the type of boats that I
use/have - a 20 foot CC bay boat and a 32 foot Contender Fisharound.
I have two stroke direct injected outboards which are lighter,
quieter, efficient and give me more fuel economy that other types of
power available for these boats. I'm also a big proponent of DI type
two stroke outboards which others often are not. To each their own.

So there you have if. There are advantages to each type of available
power and they each have disadvantages. In my opinion, outboards are
the way to go.

We can discuss the different types of outboards when you figure out
what exactly it is you wish to purchase and if outboards are an option
for you.

Have fun looking.

Later,

Tom

"Capt. Jack" Virginia Settler wrote in message
...
Ed,
The power to weight/size ratio is substantially better with a O/B than an
I/B or an I/O, which is important with most trailorable boats. O/B or I/O
allow you to trim the prop for better efficiency. In trailerable fishing
boats most experts would recommend an O/B for these reasons.

As far as storing the boats on a trailer vs. using a mooring, I would
recommend storing it on a trailer. You will not have problems with marine
growth on the hull, you will not have problems with blisters, and in my
opinion it easier to maintain from a trailer than on the water.

And cheaper to fill the gas tank.



"ed" wrote in message
...
Im looking to use it for fishing mainly and a little cruising. I live in
the Pacific Northwest and there are a lot of places to go see. Im not
sure what size I should get yet. I was also wondereing is it better to
trailer a boat, to have it moorage? Does marinia have drydock storage ?
I have a lot to consider. Any advice is appreciated.

thanks
Ed
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 12 May 2005 09:17:56 -0700, "ed"
wrote:

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats
and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get
a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Let's address personal requirements first.

What kind of boat are you purchasing - a family runabout for fun in
the sun, a fish 'n ski type boat, bass boat or a fishing machine which
can be used as a family day cruiser or overnighter? Are you planning
on trailering the boat or using a slip? Have you looked at boats to
determine what it is you want to purchase? Do you know the difference
between cuddy cabin, center console, walkaround, cabin cruiser? You
need to determine what it is you wish to do and purchase, then move to
the different power types available.

There is also the new/used consideration - what are you looking to
purchase?

There are advantages to all three types of power which Harry detailed.
He left one out though- inboard to a jackshaft to an outdrive. You
don't see that all that often though. :)

For me, outboards are the best option for the type of boats that I
use/have - a 20 foot CC bay boat and a 32 foot Contender Fisharound.
I have two stroke direct injected outboards which are lighter,
quieter, efficient and give me more fuel economy that other types of
power available for these boats. I'm also a big proponent of DI type
two stroke outboards which others often are not. To each their own.

So there you have if. There are advantages to each type of available
power and they each have disadvantages. In my opinion, outboards are
the way to go.

We can discuss the different types of outboards when you figure out
what exactly it is you wish to purchase and if outboards are an option
for you.

Have fun looking.

Later,

Tom

Fritz,
Which is very important this summer. Have you ever seen a comparison chart
between I/O and O/B or do you have a link?



"P.Fritz" wrote in message
...

"Capt. Jack" Virginia Settler wrote in message
...
Ed,
The power to weight/size ratio is substantially better with a O/B than an
I/B or an I/O, which is important with most trailorable boats. O/B or
I/O allow you to trim the prop for better efficiency. In trailerable
fishing boats most experts would recommend an O/B for these reasons.

As far as storing the boats on a trailer vs. using a mooring, I would
recommend storing it on a trailer. You will not have problems with
marine growth on the hull, you will not have problems with blisters, and
in my opinion it easier to maintain from a trailer than on the water.

And cheaper to fill the gas tank.



"ed" wrote in message
...
Im looking to use it for fishing mainly and a little cruising. I live in
the Pacific Northwest and there are a lot of places to go see. Im not
sure what size I should get yet. I was also wondereing is it better to
trailer a boat, to have it moorage? Does marinia have drydock storage ?
I have a lot to consider. Any advice is appreciated.

thanks
Ed
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 12 May 2005 09:17:56 -0700, "ed"
wrote:

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats
and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should
get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Let's address personal requirements first.

What kind of boat are you purchasing - a family runabout for fun in
the sun, a fish 'n ski type boat, bass boat or a fishing machine which
can be used as a family day cruiser or overnighter? Are you planning
on trailering the boat or using a slip? Have you looked at boats to
determine what it is you want to purchase? Do you know the difference
between cuddy cabin, center console, walkaround, cabin cruiser? You
need to determine what it is you wish to do and purchase, then move to
the different power types available.

There is also the new/used consideration - what are you looking to
purchase?

There are advantages to all three types of power which Harry detailed.
He left one out though- inboard to a jackshaft to an outdrive. You
don't see that all that often though. :)

For me, outboards are the best option for the type of boats that I
use/have - a 20 foot CC bay boat and a 32 foot Contender Fisharound.
I have two stroke direct injected outboards which are lighter,
quieter, efficient and give me more fuel economy that other types of
power available for these boats. I'm also a big proponent of DI type
two stroke outboards which others often are not. To each their own.

So there you have if. There are advantages to each type of available
power and they each have disadvantages. In my opinion, outboards are
the way to go.

We can discuss the different types of outboards when you figure out
what exactly it is you wish to purchase and if outboards are an option
for you.

Have fun looking.

Later,

Tom

On Fri, 13 May 2005 04:42:14 -0700, "ed"
wrote:

Im looking to use it for fishing mainly and a little cruising. I live in the
Pacific Northwest and there are a lot of places to go see. Im not sure what
size I should get yet. I was also wondereing is it better to trailer a boat,
to have it moorage? Does marinia have drydock storage ? I have a lot to
consider. Any advice is appreciated.

Ah - well, that narrows things down a little.

So you are looking for a fishing boat that can be used for a little
cruising. That means that you are probably looking in the 23/27 foot
category if you are wanting any sort of amenities. I know your
significant other, assuming you have one, will probably DEMAND
amenities. :)

Mooring/slips mean that you can probably get away with a larger boat -
more like an express type in the 27/30 foot category. Trailers mean
that your pretty much stuck in the 23/27 foot category remembering
that you can't go much over a 8'6" beam due to lane width regulations.
The good thing is you can take your boat to a gas station if it's on a
trailer and that may count for a lot.

Trailering doesn't mean that you are limited to choice - there are a
ton of different manufacturers who make good boats in the 23/27 foot
range in walkaround or cuddy cabin styles - Trophy, Polar are a couple
to start with. There are some manufacturers in the Pacific NW like
Palmer Marine who build Shamrock/Defiance boats and it would seem they
are just about what you are looking for. I like the Shamrock series
of boat and to tell the truth, I wouldn't mind selling my Ranger and
buying the 200 Defiance - I like that boat a lot. Our very own
Chuckie Gould did a review on Defiance a month or so ago - open up
your newsreader to all messages and do a search for it. Failing that,
do a Google newsgroup search for it.

Trailering give you a range of options with respect to a lot of issues
like taking the boat with you on extended trips, launching in
different states, that sort of thing. It also allows you to keep the
boat at your residence which can sometimes reduce the insurance costs.
On the other hand, if reduces the ultimate size of the boat you can
purchase if you wish something over 27 or so feet.

Slips have an advantage as you don't have to mess with hooking up,
launching, recovering and all that goes with that. I can tell you
from experience that as you get older, it can become a problem in
particular if you suffer from an arthritic conditions like I do.
Those problems can be overcome with technology (like power winches),
but it still can be problematic. Slips are more expensive, but
balanced against fuel costs, trailer maintenance and such, it comes
out to be a wash.

Then there is the combination slip/trailer deal like I do with my
Contender. I have a custom trailer for the boat and use it to not
only store the boat over winter, but for pulling out twice a season to
wash the bottom, wash/wax the boat and just generally check the boat
over.

So, hope that helps. What's the next subject? :)

Later,

Tom

On Thu, 12 May 2005 09:17:56 -0700, "ed"
wrote:

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Thanks
Ed

Get a jet drive. I can go 60 mph over 3" of water. Nothing can beat
that.

Me and the wife
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/harkra...bum?.dir=/1323

"Capt. Jack" Virginia Settler wrote in message
...
Fritz,
Which is very important this summer. Have you ever seen a comparison
chart between I/O and O/B or do you have a link?

I was talking about being able to pull you boat into a gas station rather
than paying the additonal $0.50-75 at the typical gas dock.




"P.Fritz" wrote in message
...

"Capt. Jack" Virginia Settler wrote in message
...
Ed,
The power to weight/size ratio is substantially better with a O/B than
an I/B or an I/O, which is important with most trailorable boats. O/B
or I/O allow you to trim the prop for better efficiency. In trailerable
fishing boats most experts would recommend an O/B for these reasons.

As far as storing the boats on a trailer vs. using a mooring, I would
recommend storing it on a trailer. You will not have problems with
marine growth on the hull, you will not have problems with blisters, and
in my opinion it easier to maintain from a trailer than on the water.

And cheaper to fill the gas tank.



"ed" wrote in message
...
Im looking to use it for fishing mainly and a little cruising. I live
in the Pacific Northwest and there are a lot of places to go see. Im
not sure what size I should get yet. I was also wondereing is it better
to trailer a boat, to have it moorage? Does marinia have drydock
storage ? I have a lot to consider. Any advice is appreciated.

thanks
Ed
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 12 May 2005 09:17:56 -0700, "ed"
wrote:

This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats
and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should
get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that
a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other
?

Let's address personal requirements first.

What kind of boat are you purchasing - a family runabout for fun in
the sun, a fish 'n ski type boat, bass boat or a fishing machine which
can be used as a family day cruiser or overnighter? Are you planning
on trailering the boat or using a slip? Have you looked at boats to
determine what it is you want to purchase? Do you know the difference
between cuddy cabin, center console, walkaround, cabin cruiser? You
need to determine what it is you wish to do and purchase, then move to
the different power types available.

There is also the new/used consideration - what are you looking to
purchase?

There are advantages to all three types of power which Harry detailed.
He left one out though- inboard to a jackshaft to an outdrive. You
don't see that all that often though. :)

For me, outboards are the best option for the type of boats that I
use/have - a 20 foot CC bay boat and a 32 foot Contender Fisharound.
I have two stroke direct injected outboards which are lighter,
quieter, efficient and give me more fuel economy that other types of
power available for these boats. I'm also a big proponent of DI type
two stroke outboards which others often are not. To each their own.

So there you have if. There are advantages to each type of available
power and they each have disadvantages. In my opinion, outboards are
the way to go.

We can discuss the different types of outboards when you figure out
what exactly it is you wish to purchase and if outboards are an option
for you.

Have fun looking.

Later,

Tom

On Fri, 13 May 2005 00:29:53 GMT, "tony thomas" wrote:

Unless the boat is big enough to have true inboard(s), an I/O is going to be
in the way for fishing. This is why you see very few I/O fishing boats.

I have an I/O used primarily for fishing. I've also been on a friend's Parker
(outboard) fishing. Where I have an engine cover to contend with, I also have a
nice place to cut bait, tie lures, sit, etc. Although my friend doesn't have an
engine cover, he does have to use a large cooler or two on which to do the same
thing. So, the 'room' ends up being close to the same.

--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

On 5/13/05, t.thomas wrote:
Unless the boat is big enough to have true inboard(s), an I/O is going to be
in the way for fishing. This is why you see very few I/O fishing boats.

A few I/O boats have been built with the engine amidships. They use a
jack shaft running under the cockpit sole to the drive unit.
Wellcraft had that option in a few of its models at one time. For an
I/O, it seemed like a better arrangement to me. Like a straight
inboard, it would have a better ride plus more room at the transom.

Rick

It may or may not have a better ride depending on hull design. But it would
be slower since you have all that engine weight moved forward. Trying to
trim that much weight out to reduce water drag on the hull would be
impossible. Probably whey they stopped making it.

--
Tony
my boats and cars at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

-
wrote in message
...
On 5/13/05, t.thomas wrote:
Unless the boat is big enough to have true inboard(s), an I/O is going to
be
in the way for fishing. This is why you see very few I/O fishing boats.

A few I/O boats have been built with the engine amidships. They use a
jack shaft running under the cockpit sole to the drive unit.
Wellcraft had that option in a few of its models at one time. For an
I/O, it seemed like a better arrangement to me. Like a straight
inboard, it would have a better ride plus more room at the transom.

Rick

There are advantages and disadvantages to both - the choice is usually a
personal decision.
The size/type of boat is a consideration as well: an inboard is not
practical in a 12' jon boat.
A reason contributing to my choice of sterndrive for a 19' bowrider was the
opinion of several owners I spoke to, who said they didn't know much about
such things and were just as happy to have the engine in a box, out of view.
Some point out that a sterndrive takes up interior space. That's not always
significant: the engine box is my runabout has drink holders in it and is a
good place to mount rod holders, small trays to hold sunblock lotion,
handheld radio, flashlight, etc. It also becomes part of a crosswise lounge
seat when at anchor or beached.
Sterndrives tend to be quieter and more fuel efficient.
Outboards are supposedly less expensive to work on because they are easier
for mechanics to access.
I've also added a second battery (with a combiner) and battery selection
switch to my boat, as I have added radar, direction finding, GPS, 2 fixed
mount VHF radios, additional lighting and 12 volt outlets. It was easy to do
with a sterndrive; I don't know how easy to would be with an outboard

"ed" wrote in message
...
This is probably a stupid question, but im still learning about boats and
have learn a lot from this group. How does one choose if they should get a
boat with a inboard or an outboard ? What are some of the things that a
person should consider when purchasing ? Is one better than the other ?

Thanks
Ed

wrote in message
...
On 5/13/05, t.thomas wrote:
Unless the boat is big enough to have true inboard(s), an I/O is going to
be
in the way for fishing. This is why you see very few I/O fishing boats.

A few I/O boats have been built with the engine amidships. They use a
jack shaft running under the cockpit sole to the drive unit.
Wellcraft had that option in a few of its models at one time. For an
I/O, it seemed like a better arrangement to me. Like a straight
inboard, it would have a better ride plus more room at the transom.

Rick

Albemarle and Carolina Classic both take that approach. Nice fishing boats!

--
Peter Aitken

Agreed on the top speed. But if that's a priority, I'd skip the I/O
altogether and go with an outboard. By "better ride", I mean a more
comfortable platform, easier motion, even when dead in the water. For
spending all day long in a moderate sea, I'd rather have my weight
concentrated low and in the middle. It makes a big difference in the
way you feel at the end of the day.

Rick.

On 5/14/05, t.thomas wrote:
It may or may not have a better ride depending on hull design. But it would
be slower since you have all that engine weight moved forward. Trying to
trim that much weight out to reduce water drag on the hull would be
impossible. Probably whey they stopped making it.

--
Tony
my boats and cars at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

-
wrote in message
.. .
On 5/13/05, t.thomas wrote:
Unless the boat is big enough to have true inboard(s), an I/O is going to
be
in the way for fishing. This is why you see very few I/O fishing boats.

A few I/O boats have been built with the engine amidships. They use a
jack shaft running under the cockpit sole to the drive unit.
Wellcraft had that option in a few of its models at one time. For an
I/O, it seemed like a better arrangement to me. Like a straight
inboard, it would have a better ride plus more room at the transom.

Rick