Author Topic: Outboard vs. Inboard (Read 9510 times)

fish-on37 · « **on:** January 13, 2011, 01:48:20 PM »

Looking at two boats right now. Both are 19ft aluminums. One has a 115 Honda and the other is a 4.3 V6 Mercruiser sterndrive. New to boating so not sure what to go with. Will mainly fish the sound for salmon and halibut but also want to hit the big rivers for salmon and sturgeon. Some advice would be great. Thanks

Practical Approach · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2011, 01:57:40 PM »

I would go with the outboard. They are lighter, more power to weight and have less maintenance to deal with. If you go with the inboard, you will need a freshwater cooling system installed if you want the engine to last longer when fishing the saltwater.

Skillet · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2011, 02:04:23 PM »

Major benefit to an outboard is improved deck space. That Honda is very fuel efficient and pretty much bullet proof. Never going to crack the block due to freezing weather, either. Services are easier to do (not necessarily cheaper if you take to a marina, though) on an outboard. It will do everything you've indicated you will ask it to do. Now that the manufacturers have pretty much nailed a reliable, high power-to-weight ratio outboard, it seems like boats in the size range of the one you're describing would be mis-matched with an I/O in a fishing boat. My 115 merc four stroke will push my 17' aluminum to 44 MPH on the GPS, and truly sips fuel when I'm cruising around at 25 mph. Couldn't be happier.

rasbo · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2011, 02:06:44 PM »

outboard...

groundhog · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2011, 02:08:12 PM »

Outboard all the way!! Better power to weight ratio = better hole shot, better fuel efficiency.

wildmanoutdoors · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2011, 02:08:27 PM »

Outboard!

superdown · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2011, 02:14:23 PM »

1 vote for the outboard especially since it's a Honda plus you don't loose three like feet of space in the boat and less weight and better mpg.

Alchase · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2011, 03:41:32 PM »

Clarification, that would be outboard vs inboard/outboard, inboard/outboards have stern drives. Inboards have driveshaft and props under the boat, like most waterskiing boats.
Outboards are much more efficient and less costly to maintain then inboard/outboards. Outboards also do not take up interior space like an inboard/outboard does so you get much more usable interior area for the same size boat.

whacker1 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2011, 03:44:26 PM »

If you get a smokin' deal on the 4.3Litre v6, I wouldn't be warry of that one either. It is a good motor, which is more than enough for 19 aluminum. But dollar for dollar you would be better served with the outboard. I just don't want people to give you the wrong impression about the other option.

shoot-em-dead · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2011, 03:45:40 PM »

outboard

ser300wsm · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2011, 04:01:17 PM »

Outboard, agree with what everybody stated....

TeacherMan · « **Reply #11 on:** January 13, 2011, 04:06:57 PM »

I like outboards just because you can physically see what is happening to them, example if they are cycling water. Inboards to me are out of sight out of mind. Plus I like the extra room in the boat that outboards give.

JimmyHoffa · « **Reply #12 on:** January 13, 2011, 04:10:24 PM »

For that size boat and what you stated for intended purposes, I will also say outboard. Much less hassle, easy to swap around,easier for trim/tilt, etc. I think the guys stating the argument for power to weight are talking about the specific motors being compared.

Bofire · « **Reply #13 on:** January 13, 2011, 04:52:12 PM »

outboards easy to steal, expensive to work on, perform VERY well, more inboard space for you: in boards, cheap to maintain easier to work on, stern drive units kinda suck and break, take up room.
Carl

Rick · « **Reply #14 on:** January 13, 2011, 04:56:46 PM »

Quote from: Bofire on January 13, 2011, 04:52:12 PM

outboards easy to steal, expensive to work on, perform VERY well, more inboard space for you: in boards, cheap to maintain easier to work on, stern drive units kinda suck and break, take up room.
Carl

Outboard kickers may be easy to steal,but a 115 four stroke is almost 500lbs. There are citys full of easier targets than an outboard that big.

Rick · « **Reply #15 on:** January 13, 2011, 04:59:29 PM »

Another thing to think about is storage in cold weather. An outboard basically drains itself once its lowered down. Little chance of freeze damage.

I/Os will need to be winterized or you can expect a cracked block.

Rainstorm Hunter · « **Reply #16 on:** January 13, 2011, 05:38:52 PM »

Outboard all the way. Honda makes good outboard motors and with an outboard you will have alot more fishing room. it would also be really nice if it has an extended transom for the motors.

Mossy · « **Reply #17 on:** January 13, 2011, 05:53:00 PM »

Outboard for me. Don't forget the pictures when you buy this thing!

jeepster · « **Reply #18 on:** January 13, 2011, 10:11:06 PM »

im a boat guy, ive worked in boat yards and built boats my entire working life.

the ultimate decision is up to the person wanting to buy the boat. but here is some semi professional advice and facts. after owning a 140 merc outboard, countless hondas and finally a 190hp inboard, i have to say i like the inboard best, but thats becuse its what i know most about.

OUTBOARDS:
outboards usually have better resale value for the boat if the engine takes a crap. its alot easier to sell a boat that just needs an engine put on the back of it vs a boat with no outdrive or a fried inboard. if the next guy wants to put his engine/drive in the boat, he now has to glass up the transom to re-drill and re-cut the holes to match his unit. a boat without an inboard/outdrive wont float... a boat without an outboard will.

the outboards that get stolen the most are under 30 horsepower, thieves are lazy, some love 6-15hp engines for blasting up sand for geoducks (we all know who harvests geoducks)

lighter, and tend to be better on fuel.

while inboards are easier to work on, on a consumer level, outboards can simplify whats in the boat, less wires and hoses and stuff

honda hands down is the best small boat engine available

if you dont like the outboard, want something bigger and faster or perhaps smaller and more economical, it is a hell of alot easier to swap an outboard than it is an I/O.

the tolerances on an outboard are alot smaller than that of a sterndrive. example: you are in the shallows and suck up some sand, on an outboard chances are thats going to plug up your entire engine, whereas a sterndrive has a better chance of passing debris through the engine. however if you hit something on an outboard, like a deadhead or something, the dammage wont be nearly as bad as an outdrive

if you are a do-it-yourselfer, GOOD LUCK, they can be pain in the ass to work on

I/O, Sterndrive, aka Inboard

ALOT cheaper and easier to work on, if you arent familiar with boat engines, an I/O is similar to a car engine, its right there. average joe can fix an inboard, where as an outboard is more specialized

there are more parts on an inboard, so if the boat is going to be kept in the water, there are way more things to keep an eye on such as bellows and exhaust boots. if those rubbers go out, the boat goes down. but nothing that proper maintaince wont prevent

the deckspace can be slightly minimized with an inboard, and visa versa with an outboard. if the boat has a large engine well, that protrudes almost 3 feet forward x the width of the boat, well thats 3 feet less deckspace vs a doghouse (inboard cover) that is 3 feet x 3 feet that just takes up some space. for example my glasply has more deckspace with an inboard than the outboard model does.

i favor an inboard because of the aftermarket features. if i need more electrical power, i go to napa and get a bigger altenator. that enables me to run my fish finder, radar, 2 radios, my heater, downriggers and wipers all day long with out putting any strain on the battery
inboards can be crammed so tight into a boat however, that it is so frustrating and almost impossible to work on however. not all are like that, but if the boat you are shopping for is... go outboard

a 4 banger inboard will probably get the same fuel economy as an outboard.

if you suck up a downrigger cable or a line in an outdrive, well, have fun swimming... even if you raise your drive all the way up, you still arent going to get it out of the water vs an outboard, well that will rise alot higher, so you might still have to jump in, but you wont have to dive. but more than likely with an outboard you can hang over the edge with the wheel turned hard over to one side and have your buddy hold onto you as you untangle your gear

those are just a few things ive learned mostly from experiance over the years. just passin on info

happy boat hunting!!! see ya out there.

fish-on37 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 14, 2011, 12:39:27 AM »

Wow, you all have spoken...lol Thanks

fish-on37 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 14, 2011, 12:44:09 AM »

Jeepster....pm sent

PolarBear · « **Reply #21 on:** January 14, 2011, 12:48:40 AM »

As someone who has had dozens of boats both I/O and outboard, I will never own another I/O on a boat less that 28 feet for most of the reasons already stated. For small boats, outboard all the way!

ICEMAN · « **Reply #22 on:** January 14, 2011, 04:30:35 AM »

Inboard/outboard.

groundhog · « **Reply #23 on:** January 14, 2011, 06:27:24 AM »

Like I said earlier I am an outboard guy. But I will admit that the one problem with outboards is if you ever have to replace it. For instance you could buy a used boat for 15k and if you had to replace the outboard it could cost you 15k. You could obviously rebuild or buy used but outboards are much more expensive then inboards. But in my opinion worth it. good luck

daddysprad · « **Reply #24 on:** January 14, 2011, 06:44:33 AM »

I have a 2004 130 hp Honda on my 18 1/2 ft Crestliner which is the big sister to the 115 hp. Basically a Honda civic motor turned on it's side stuffed in plastic case. Very quiet, good power and I've never had a problem with it. I'd vote for outboard.

bowtech721 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 14, 2011, 03:45:25 PM »

+1 for outboard

bullcanyon · « **Reply #26 on:** January 14, 2011, 08:20:14 PM »

I've got a 19' boat with an inboard sj and wish I would of gone outboard. Except when I'm crabbing. It's a nice place to set the pots while baiting and pulling crab out. Other than that its always in the way. Hope to upgrade some day and when I do I will be going outboard.

Kris

fish-on37 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 18, 2011, 12:50:15 PM »

Just wanted to say thanks to all who replied. I read all the posts and made my decision. I picked up a 2011 Thunder Jet Luxor at the Portland boat. Its loaded with a 115 Yamaha O/B. Thanks again and see you out there.

PolarBear · « **Reply #28 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:04:02 PM »

Excellent choice, congrats!

DeerHarvester · « **Reply #29 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:12:23 PM »

Thunderjet is a great boat and you will love the yamaha. I have a 150 yamaha and love it. What length is your boat and who did you buy it from. I bought my weldcraft from Siglers in Or. I know they also sell thunderjets.

fish-on37 · « **Reply #30 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:35:19 PM »

Same place. I picked up the 20'.

DeerHarvester · « **Reply #31 on:** January 18, 2011, 05:30:48 PM »

They seem to have the best deals on Thunderjet and Weldcraft Boats. Not the best buying experience, but good prices.

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Author Topic: Outboard vs. Inboard (Read 9510 times)

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