Need advise on Inboard purchase

[edheinrichs]

Need advise on inboard set up- I came across a vintage Penn Yann (20') what are your thoughts about the inboard with rudder vs the I/O set-up (I currently have a 165 in an 18' that I want to replace. I am not familiar with the pitfalls or plusses of the inboard.<br />The Penn Yann is a big beamy boat with lots of room, the doghouse in the center is not a problem- just wondering about the mechanics (areas of potential problems to look for)<br />Thanks for your hel

 

[salty87]

Re: Need advise on Inboard purchase

mechanically, inboards couldn't be easier. in a direct drive setup like that, the engine is easy to get to and there aren't any complicated sets of gears like in a lower unit. you've got engine, tranny, driveshaft, and prop...pretty simple.<br /><br />handling wise, the inboard will take some getting used to if you're accustomed to an i/o but it doesn't take that long to get the hang of it. <br /><br />other than a different type of engine to inspect, i can't really think of anything special to look at for potential problems.

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Need advise on Inboard purchase

I would go for it. I bought 1977 22 foot Chris Craft with a straight inboard under the center console and am in the process of completely restoring it. It is the type of boat I have always wanted.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Need advise on Inboard purchase

Once you go straight inboard, you never go back.... <br /><br />Pitfalls... <br />Yea, a straight inboard might be a bit slower...<br />Exposed running gear is easy to tear up if you run aground, not so much an issue on a Penn Yan because of the tunnel...<br />Low speed (idle) handling and backing down is marginal at best.. Practice makes ya better..<br />Changing packing in the stuffing boxes is a bit of a drag (unless it has a dripless box), but usually not a big deal..<br /><br />The up side..<br />The engine's in the middle of the boat, where it's supposed to be.. Weight in the center, and the engine being low makes a boat much more stable because of the lower center of gravity...<br />Maintentce is easy as it gets... Open the engine box, everything's right there...<br />Engine noise is usually low..<br /><br />Things to look for..<br />Aside from the things you'd look for in any boat, rotten wood, electrical, ect..<br />Worn cutlass bearing (rubber bushing in the strut).. Time consuming, but fairly easy to repair..<br />Vibration.. Not necessarily a big problem.. May be as simple as poor shaft/engine alignment, or as bad as a bent shaft, or bent or poorly balanced prop.. <br />The hose on the shaft log should be checked for rot, and the shaft log itself along with all the underwater metal parts like the strut, rudder, stuffing boxes, should be checked for corrosion damage.. Don't totally freak out if the stuffing box is green.. <br /><br />That's about all I got..