whats better inboard or outboard? Maintance and $ wise

[Bunnerrabbit]

I am fairly new to boats. I currently have a 87 bass tracker 16ft 35hp. No I dont fish and I mainly just use in the the NC intercoastal waterway. Being this is my first boat it will do for this year but over winter I plan to get something bigger 17' to 19' open bow. Anyway I will be looking for late 80's early 90's boat. what would I be better off with an inboard or outboard motor? Money wise? Maintance wise? Reliability Wise? I think you get my point.

 

[McKenzie]

Re: whats better inboard or outboard? Maintance and $ wise

If your an amateur mechanic, you can save by doing work to your boat yourself. I found that inboards were a lot easier because they are based on automotive engines. Most sterndrives are relatively easy to maintain by an owner with a good shop manual. Outboards are touchy and I don't know many outboards that don't like to randomly quit. I would look for an inboard, I am not an outboard fan.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: whats better inboard or outboard? Maintance and $ wise

If you are running in saltwater, search this board for all the problems with manifolds and risers on I/Os. Be careful of a boat in the year range you are looking at without very good, complete maintenance records.<br /><br />I like the I/O because we ski----they will pull about anything. Also, I/Os are smoother and quieter for just cruising.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: whats better inboard or outboard? Maintance and $ wise

Find something with a straight inboard, not an IO or outdrive...<br /><br />Straight inboard's the only way to fly... Just keep an eye on the water depth with a straight inboard and you'll be fine...

 

[magster65]

Re: whats better inboard or outboard? Maintance and $ wise

Another vote for inboard.