Moving from outboard to inboard, what to know?

I have been using outboard boats since I was 12. I'd like to find out what are the important differences in maintenance, trailering, avoiding underwater obstacles, etc. before I decide to buy. Thanks!

This is an inboard boat forum, so I guess you know how most respondents are going to lean. However, we must be carefull to note, you did not ask which should I get or which is better, you asked about specific elements. I can only speak semi-knowledgeably about it as I am not an expert on new 4-stroke outboards, but I did run an outboard from 1981 to 1996 and inboards from 1996 to present. So here are my thoughts.

Maintenance: again, I cant speak to the new motors, but in the 15 years I ran my outboard, I changed the plugs a few times, the steering cable once, the impellor once and lower end grease annually. Pretty easy stuff. Winterization is a snap as they self drain, so a little fogging and sta-bil in the gas and you're good to go.

My two inboards required a little more wrenching. Of course it depends on the year. But if you follow these forums there are always questions about bogging down, hard starting, loosing power, stalling... Most are related either to fuel delivery (gunky carb) or electrical (bad connections/tune up) Again, a big percentage of the boats here are old. If you're looking at a new one, probably not an issue. I personally think a V8 is a lot easier to do it yourself repair than an outboard, but thats just me, and I am a long way from being any kind of mechanic.

Trailering. I feel no differnce either way.

Maybe somewhat related to trailering is boat maneuverability.   Some people have trouble learning to deal with (or just don't like) the fact that inboards are generally unmaneuverable in reverse (unless or until you learn how to use the pull to whichever side) and that they dont steer when in neutral, but both of those are pretty easy to get used to and deal with.

Hitting stuff. Not a good idea either way. If you really cream something you can replace a shaft strut prop and rudder (and fins) for less than the cost of a big outboard. What are they now guys...I used to go by the rule of thumb of about $1000/10 HP (a 150 HP motor was about $15,000) I bet its a lot more now. For a minor hit, like what would ding the blade or skeg of your outboard, you are going to spend less than having to replace the underwater gear of an inboard.

All reasonable considerations, but all of the above being given, it comes down to whats best for you (here I go...not answering your question)

Outboards are fast, and fair out of the hole...unless you're pulling a load, then they struggle. (unless you go the 200HP plus route)

If you're into any kind of water sport where people are getting in and out of the boat, I think outboards stink. The whole transom is taken up by motor and you have no platform, except for maybe a crappy little step on either or both sides. Plus there is the safety factor.

I certainly vote for inboards as the preferred way to go, but outboards are real boats too, as confirmed by their popularity among barefooters.

Those are just some of my thoughts. I am sure there will be many others.

Netdewt wrote: Is it easier to hit things with an inboard because you can't raise and lower the prop/rudder? Or is that just a common misconception?

In 13 years of IB operation, I havent whacked anything yet. (Can't say the same thing about my Dad's CC Mustang when I was 14 year old tho ) Anyway...you're thinking about the fact that you can tilt/trim up your motor if going into shallow or unknown waters, which you can't do in an inboard. The Key here (and why I havent whacked anything in 13 years) is be careful and know the water you are going into. Its as easy as that. If you arent sure. Slow down, creep along, keep your eyes on the bottom. If its not safe don't go. If you gotta go, shut down and paddle.   

Also, your rudder, prop, and tracking fins are all separate items on the boat that all do separate things. These functions are all combined in the outboard. So, enjoy the effortless and amazing handling of these machines. Amaze friends and family with G-inducing turns and by spinning the boat in place while stopped or at speed! Enjoy the instant planing. Enjoy the balance of having the engine in the middle of the boat. Enjoy the cool factor and the elite factor. Enjoy the exhaust note.

Newt,     Would this interest you?

[QUOTE=Netdewt] [QUOTE=75 Tique]I just want to know what the differences are so that I know what to expect.

QUOTE]

All was well said above.

But to answer your question directly - expect to have a great summer with a cool boat that will last for many years.

M3Fan wrote: Air206 wrote: If you need precision movement at idle and certainly in reverse........ get an inboard. Fixed

Ha - Don't kid the man..... you know a newbie is not gonna jump into an inboard and reverse it like an outboard ..... We certainly can - but not a newbie

That's the spirit!

Inboards perform more smoothly and powerfully. Great throttle and steering feel..... Boat show season is upon us.... talk a dealer into a test drive!

Fun, Fun!!!

DrCC wrote: Newt,     Would this interest you?

Cartman- "Seriously you guys like I have a ski antique. Its like super bad ass!"

Photoshop...

Thanks for the info. I'm really excited and hopeful I can make this work. I love things that are designed simply and logically. Inboards seem to fit in there.

I am a bit worried about my parents' cabin. They have a harbor lot that gets really weedy later in the season. If the water is low, we trim up a lot.

What about weeds? How are they removed if reversing doesn't work?

Depending on how much seaweed, and how tightly its wrapped( and maybe a little luck?), I have ocassionally dislodged it by using reverse. But as stated..sometimes you gotta get wet!

btw, All I've ever owned were straight inboards.... Im eating a little crow with my son...I told him I'd never own an outboard... wellll, I bought a pontoon with one. But., I keep looking at how a "motor in the middle" would work!?

SNobsessed wrote: Nate - You have hit on the 1 disadvantange of inboards - access to the prop. If you get something tangled up in it, you have to dive underneath to deal with it, or else get towed back to your trailer. I accidently drifted over the ski rope last year & even though the engine was off, it got tangled in the prop. Got it loose, but not without 4 dives. I really should get a mask as standard emergency equipment. Even with this disadvantage, I would not go back to a OB or IO.

One trick for this I found this summer: at least in my boat that has the removable swim platform: the major pain for getting the rope out is the diving under the boat then go again for some air..etc..and starting all over again. But if you remove the platform the prop is almost there so you can work it in the water but no need to dive under the boat, and you can go all the way...I can remove my platform as i intalled some nice ss removable cleats custom made...before them I had some ugly rusted nails

I like the takeoff sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdXBBItZBiM

Is the noise loud enough to be "that guy" on the lake? Is it any louder than a 2-stroke OB?

The beauty of the inboards, especially the old "muffler-less' ones, is they have an authorative exhaust note, without being (to most people ) offensive...

Theres nothing better than starting one of my old inboards at the dock and listening to that 'glub-glub'!

The other thing... if you can control your foot...ie keeping it out of the gas, they do pretty good on fuel economy.....   uhhhh, but with that available horsepower that can be a problem tho..