inboard outboard vs outboard fuel economy

Where there’s salt, there’s corrosion, and so being able to easily access the engine for maintenance and cleaning, as well as being able to lift it completely out of the water and store it throughout winter means the outboard is the clear winner here. Maintenance is a big deciding factor when choosing between inboards and outboards, especially when it comes to saltwater boats. When it comes to maneuverability, the inboard takes the medal. However, it’s this extra drag which also means that inboard engines don’t tend to offer the same top cruising speeds as outboards. Performance-wise an inboard engine generally offers a smoother ride, especially in rough water conditions, as it sits deeper in the water because of the weight of the engine in its center. Ultimately, the inboard engine is considered to be the most fuel efficient. A heavy boat using an outboard engine will have poor fuel efficiency, while an inboard would offer more power and therefore less fuel usage. However, while that’s true at face value, in practice the weight of your boat will determine how fuel efficient it is. These days there is very little in it when it comes to the fuel efficiency of an inboard engine and that of an outboard. Design-wise, swim platforms are possible but awkward with an outboard engine in the way. Some love the powerful, meaty look of an outboard (or four) glimmering off the stern, while others prefer the sleek silhouette that you get with an inboard engine. When it comes to which is more aesthetically pleasing it is, as with all things boating, purely subjective.

Ultimately, there is no best option, but a best option for your boat and your needs. When it comes to comparing inboard and outboard engines we have to look at a whole host of criteria. Popular on small boats (especially Jet skis) and in shallow waters.ĭifferences between Inboard and Outboard Engines Jet Drive: This is an inboard engine that does not use a propeller propulsion system, but instead uses water to power the boat.Popular on fishing boats where catching and deck space is important, or on watersports boats where a swim platform can be added without an outboard getting in the way. Sterndrive (inboard-outboard engine or I/O): This is where the engine is bolted to the back of the boat (but fully concealed) but the drive system (propeller and rudder) goes through the transom of the boat and sticks out the back, essentially part inboard and part outboard.True inboards are then further categorized as D-Drive inboards, where the engine is placed in the middle of the boat, and the V-Drive, where the engine is located at the back of the hull. True Inboard engine: With a true inboard engine, the propeller doesn’t steer the boat and it’s in a fixed position.There are three kinds of inboard engines: Found on larger boats, watersports boats and those which navigate more tumultuous seas, the inboard engine offers a quieter ride, more cabin space and better fuel efficiency, however their downsides are that maintenance is more difficult. It is comprised of two main components, the power head and the drive shaft, which is attached to the propeller. In contrast to the outboard engine, and as the name implies, the inboard engine is essentially positioned inside the hull of the boat. Reliable and cost effective, outboards can be can be fully lifted out of the water which makes both maintenance easy and prevents corrosion making these hugely popular choices the world over. Depending on the size of the boat the engine might have a handle grip for steering, or larger boats such as center consoles might have up to four outboards as the power level wouldn’t otherwise be enough for larger vessels. Popular on fishing boats, recreational boats and smaller boats such as RIBs, the outboard engine has an upper section, where the power head is located, the middle section (which is bolted to the transom) and the lower section. Here we take a look at exactly what characteristics inboard and outboard engines have, and what their advantages and disadvantages are.Īn outboard engine is one which is fixed to the exterior of a boat at the transom. But as with most things boating, the answer isn’t always clear cut, and while there are definitely pros and cons to both types of engines, ultimately it boils down to what kind of boat you want, where you plan to use it and how you want use it which will determine which is the best type for you. Which is better, an outboard engine or an inboard engine? It’s one of the most debated questions amongst boaters, and each has a loyal following, with owners of both adamant that their choice is the best.

Inboard outboard vs outboard fuel economy