inboard outboard vs outboard fuel economy

INBOARD OUTBOARD VS OUTBOARD FUEL ECONOMY FULL

On most recreational boats, the style of inboard motor is an inboard/outboard motor, or I/O, which combines the engine mounted inside the boat with a steerable drive unit mounted on the stern – a sterndrive. Inboard engines are contained within the structure of the boat and provide thrust and steering from the bottom of the hull. These types of engines are typically right at home on fishing vessels, as well as pontoon boats.

Outboard engines provide steering control in addition to propulsion by pivoting and controlling direction of thrust. Outboard motors are self-contained units that include the engine, transmission, and propeller, mounted on the boat’s stern and sitting outside the hull. With the layout and use of the boat hinging on the type of propulsion it runs, a careful consideration of which is right for you must include a more detailed look at the engines themselves. The downside to Inboard Outboard boats is that the engine compartment takes up valuable real estate in interior compartments. By having the engine enclosed and insulated it also make the engine much quieter resulting in a more enjoyable experience.

INBOARD OUTBOARD VS OUTBOARD FUEL ECONOMY FULL

This allows a full back deck for lounging, watersports, or a swim platform. If you run in saltwater, this may mean a great deal more to you than if you run only lakes and rivers.Inboard Outboard boats have the engine in a compartment inside. With the current cost of new outboards, I would venture to guess that the I/O would be cheaper to repair even in the event of a catastrophic failure.Īn I/O with freshwater cooling also has an advantage over an outboard which will always use sea water for it's cooling system thus making corrosion less of an issue. As far as the outboard interfering with the rope, a good ski tower will solve that and the skier should be far enough back behind the boat so that the motor isn't an issue either way. I did try pulling a skier with my 17' trihull and a Merc 120, and it did fine but took longer to get on plane. I normally carry up to four people and a full days worth of fishing gear, but never pulled a skier or other. The biggest negatives in my eyes for the I/O set up is the fact that a torn boot or severe failure can compromise the boats ability to float and the added weight.Īs far as the horsepower ratings you are looking at, I've run an older 19ft boat with a mid 90's 90HP Evinrude for years and have no concerns with power or the ability to get on plane. I do prefer an outboard for a few reasons though, 1 they are easy to swap out in the event of a failure, 2 the boat won't sink if the outdrive fails and there are no boots or shafts going through the transom to maintain which reside below the waterline, and 3 they are lighter and often make for a better performing boat that is faster out of the hole and quicker on plane. Most aren't much more complicated than a 1960's auto engine. It's by far it's strongest point, with the fact that the back of the boat is clear of any visual obstructions being second, along with the ability to easily work on the motor. I also don't agree that an outboard will be better on fuel, I have found the total opposite on every one of my boats, granted my I/O boats have all been 16-19ft trihulls with Merc 120-140 power, the one thing I can say that I really like about the setup is the fuel economy. There may be a few lower points inside on the exhaust that may need draining on the I/O on some. Any modern I/O should be freshwater cooled and not need a complete draining to winterize if your running the proper antifreeze. Most outboards are self draining, as are most all modern I/O drives.

I have to agree with this one, the amount of special tools required to work on most outboards is staggering, while the special tools needed for most I/O drives are limited to the drive itself. I may be biased because I just bought an Outboard, but I really considered all the options and there is no one clear choice. Outboard: You can change engines if you're unhappy.

Outboard: easier to maintain yourself (especially up north where I live) I/O will allow you to flip the cover and wiggle the plug wires when you're stuck in the middle of the lake (not that it will help) Outboard is uglier (subjective, not my opinion, but chicks dig the I/O) If you want to go I/O you almost have to go with the 190hp, or even better the 225 for the fuel injection (it's the same block).īoth I/O and Outboard have pros and cons, it really isn't a 'which is better' choice as much as which is most important to me. People can't give away those boats with the 135 I/Os. You're not going to be skiing behind a 19' boat with a 90hp outboard or a 135hp I/O.īefore you buy an underpowered boat look on ebay.

Inboard outboard vs outboard fuel economy