![]() ![]() The advantage to an I/O over an inboard is the ability to trim the propeller. The propeller for an inboard is tucked underneath the boat whereas the prop for an I/O sticks off of the stern, fully submerged underwater.Īn I/O, or stern drive, is not common on boats that are used for watersports because of where the propeller sits. Where the propeller sits in relation to the engine is the main difference in these two options. This is essentially a car engine and both sit down inside of the boat under an enclosure. Differences Between Inboards and I/OsĪs I mentioned, the engine is the same between inboards and I/Os. Some manufacturers will force the engine type based on how the boat is built and what it’s used for. I wanted to explain this because you won’t have to make this choice for all boat types that are on the market. Some boats, like deck boats, will offer the option to add different types of engines and you have to choose which is best for you. This application makes the most sense for this type of boat and you won’t have the option to change it out for an outboard motor. Just the same, you will find that all towboats have inboard engines. There is a small number of inboard pontoon boats on the market but it’s not the popular engine choice for this type of boat. If you’re shopping for a pontoon boat, 99% of that market utilizes outboard engines only. You might find a fiberglass speed boat with an inboard in the Midwest, but the same boat might have an outboard in the southeast due to the impacts of saltwater. That’s not set in stone, there are exceptions to both.įor instance, the region in which you boat can impact how the dealer orders their inventory and which engines they select. Outboards are typically found on aluminum boats such as pontoons and fishing boats. Inboards are traditionally found in fiberglass boats such as towboats and speed boats. Now that I’ve made that distinction, let’s compare inboard engines to outboard engines. You could say they’re brothers as they are the same type of engine, the only difference is where the propeller is affixed to the boat. You will find that certain boat types only utilize one or the other.įirst let me say that inboards and I/Os, are very similar. Inboard VS Outboard EnginesĪs we jump into comparing these engine types, it’s important to know a few facts behind the application of each. Let’s talk about outboards, inboards, and I/OSs (inboard/outboards). I’m going to explain the three different engine types you will encounter to shed some light on what separates them. How will you decide? Do you know what’s best for your boat? How will this choice impact your day on the water? If you decide to go ahead, be prepared for both massive frustration and occasional moments of pure joy.If you’re shopping for a new boat, whether you’re in the early stages of searching the internet, or you’re ready to pull the trigger, you might have questions when it comes to the engine.ĭepending on what type of boat you’re shopping for, you might have noticed that there are three main engine types to choose from. Naturally, ask yourself if the work and cost is worth it vs selling what you have and buying a used boat with what you want. If the old steering was hydraulic, it may be possible to use some of the system. ![]() The first article on brackets for outboard mounting discusses steering. This article shows a good method for glassing in a strong plug to fill the I/O transom opening. Here are 2 articles describing the concept advantages and disadvantages, and showing a sample installation.Ģ. Assuming someone with survey and/or hull repair experience has inspected your transom and it is sound (very important) there are aftermarket setback brackets which will bolt to your transom without modification. Yes, you can convert from an inboard/outboard to an outboard. ![]()
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