Inboard or Outboard ??

[mrgrumpy]

I'm moving down from a sportscruiser to either a 7.5+ rib or possibly a large bowrider (wash my mouth!!). What are the pros and cons of running with either an inboard engine or an ourboard engine.....Thanks in advance.

[Nick Hearne]

Hi, outboard will be cheaper on running costs as servicing & fuel will be more if you stick with petrol!
Outboard will be easier to change engine if you need to, but will be in the way if you want a swim platform!
Smaller boat will loose more space with a inboard!

[Cookee]

My advice would be to add up the number of hours you think you'll be using the boat in a year. Then decide your regular number of passengers. Then decide how fast you want to go. Then decide what your main use will be - ie skiing, going fast, cruising etc. Then decide on a budget. Then decide on whether you are looking for new or used.

If you are going for new go to a knowledgeable boat outlet or manufacturer and give them the answers to all of the above!

In my opinion the differences are as follows:

Diesel (Inboard only): Heavier and slower, more economical, red diesel ends this year - maybe? Puts strain on outdrives if not driven "sympathetically". Generally very reliable engines. Most expensive option.

Petrol Inboard: Faster and lighter than a diesel, V8's sound great! Economy relatively poor compared to outboards and especially diesels.

Inboards take up room in the boat otherwise used for cockpit space or seating, but provide a good large area for sunbathing!

Outboards: Generally more economical, easier maintenance, good reliability, very wide choice to suit your use, easily upgraded, better resale.

Hope that helps a bit!

[The Garfish]

Originally Posted by Cookee

Hope that helps a bit!

arr yew demonstratin dat barnarnanarsharrk 770 att sowfamptun bote showw

gaRf

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by The Garfish

arr yew demonstratin dat barnarnanarsharrk 770 att sowfamptun bote showw

gaRf

No we're just taking one of the new 6 metre boats which will be on the South Devon Marine stand J320 right next to HMS Bounty and the Beijing Olympic display - Demonstrations can be arranged down in Devon of course!

[ribit]

[QUOTE=Cookee;218245]

Petrol Inboard: Faster and lighter than a diesel, V8's sound great! Economy relatively poor compared to outboards and especially diesel

If this kind of technology ever found it's way into the marine industry sounds just perfect

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...Vectra/227483/

Nice big V8 with the economy of V6 now that would be good

[mrgrumpy]

Thanks very much for your input.......I am now leaning towards a 7.5 cobra with a 300 Suzuki. The loss of passenger space with the inboard is a real concern.

[Cookee]

Mercury, well Mercruiser actually make a new 100 hp petrol inboard that could make a big difference in the way we look at inboards, it is a straight 4, but canted over so that it fits into the "V" of the hull, thus giving a very low profile to the engine cover. This would make it suitable for having a low transom and a rear seat just like an outboard but without the bit hanging off the back.

For more information - http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines...ives/vazer.php

Of course you would need two for a 7.5 to 8 metre RIB, but it would be ideal for smaller boats.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Cookee

Mercury, well Mercruiser actually make a new 100 hp petrol inboard that could make a big difference in the way we look at inboards, it is a straight 4, but canted over so that it fits into the "V" of the hull, thus giving a very low profile to the engine cover. This would make it suitable for having a low transom and a rear seat just like an outboard but without the bit hanging off the back.

For more information - http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines...ives/vazer.php

Of course you would need two for a 7.5 to 8 metre RIB, but it would be ideal for smaller boats.

Not sure about inboards being supposedly thirstier than outboards. My last two boats having Merc 5.7ltr V8 I/B's and current a Opti 150 I don't reckon there's much difference. In fact if the Opti was hauling around as much load as my previous boats it would burn more. Having said that' I'm not a great one for studying the consumption figures. I tend to fill up, moan a bit and then try to forget about it.

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Not sure about inboards being supposedly thirstier than outboards. My last two boats having Merc 5.7ltr V8 I/B's and current a Opti 150 I don't reckon there's much difference. In fact if the Opti was hauling around as much load as my previous boats it would burn more. Having said that' I'm not a great one for studying the consumption figures. I tend to fill up, moan a bit and then try to forget about it.

Mollers - having less HP with the Opti do you think you might be using a bit more throttle? Being heavier for the same horsepower would mean their power to weight ratio wouldn't be as good, making them less efficient .......... having said all of that there is always going to be an exception, and it might just be your case!