Outboard vs Inboard Motor?

I am trying to find out information on the main differences between an outboard vs inboard motor. I am starting to research boats new and used and our previous one was an outboard, but I am seeing more and more I/O on the market. I am sure there are pros and cons and would like to hear what everyone has to say about them. By the way no brand specific general overview is fine!

All I really know about them is that they are a pain to work on or do pretty much anything to. Just from the fact that they are inside a compartment. I love my outboard and couldn’t see myself going to anything else.

inboards have a differant pivot point, if you get into a shallow water situation they don’t trim up enough.

As an I/O owner I can say I will never own one again. Let me sum an I/O up for you in two words: HIGH MAINTENANCE and one other word : EXPENSIVE. Definately keep your eyes on the outboards as they are more reliable, easier and cheaper to fix, and can be used in the winter without having to go through a few gallons of anti-freeze to winterize them.

I’ve owned both and prefer outboard power now that we have excellent four-stroke and high-efficiency two-stroke outboards to choose from.

Inboard engines are normally heavier than the outboard counterpart. They take up room inside the boat, where the outboard clutters up the transom area of the boat. I used to fish early in the spring and late in the fall. With the inboard I had to drain the exhaust manifolds after each trip to keep them from freezing. Now I can just tilt my outboard down and the water drains out on the ground. The inboard I/O will need to be carefully winterized to avoid any freeze damage if stored outside. My I/O required more maintenance and you have to be especially careful of any leaks or wear to the rubber bellows connecting the drive to the transom. My I/O would not tilt up higher than the bottom of the boat, so shallow water access could be less as was mentioned earlier.

luckydog

I’ll be the different opinion. I have an I/O in my Tyee. I love it. It does take up more space than an outboard , but usually only 2 of us fishing in an 18ft boat anyway ! I do most of my own repairs and have had good luck working on my Mercruiser. I guess I went out of my way looking for the I/O , it works great for my type of fishing. I can see where freezing weather would be a hassle though . This is just my .02 cents .

Wade74

Check with current owners on fuel consumption. The guys in my circle that have them now or have had them in the recent past HATE the fuel economy. And in many instances they’ve had serious or catastrophic engine failures early on in the life of the motors. Chris Granrud currently runs one on Rainy. He’d be a good source of info. Shoot him a PM for his insights.

Thanks for the tips, advice, and knowledge everyone, like I said I previously had an outboard but am noticing more and more I/O on the market

James — I will shoot him a pm!