And 2 engines mean double the fuel, double the maintenance, double the maintenance costs, more weight to trailer, … Almost any boat can have an inboard or I/O engine, but seeing an inboard on certain types of boats is pretty rare, such as bass boats or pontoons. Typically you will see an inboard engine on bowriders, ski boats, and midsize to larger cruiser boats. I/O engines are more practical for families or boats that want more flexibility. If you are not quite ready to talk about engines but are interested in learning more about boating and what types of boats are out there, take a look at our Guide to Buying a Boat and when you’re ready to buy a boat, check out our guide to how much a boat costs. Want to learn more about pontoons? In terms of reliability and efficiency, many seasoned boaters prefer the outboard motor. The disadvantage of inboards is that they are heavier and tend to slow down the boat. Cost & Maintenance - In general, outboards tend to cost slightly less upfront than sterndrive motors, but there are many variables that can affect the cost. Fewer moving parts also makes the four stroke easier to maintain and less expensive to repair. This helps to reduce the drag while sailing. Outboard 6 Best Paints for Aluminum Boats: Reviews and Buying Guide for 2020 The Reason That Bellows Are Vital Part for a Boat … If you use the boat infrequently, use a maintenance-type battery charger to keep the battery fully charged between outings. How To. This is a nice feature if you want to remove the engine from saltwater to decrease erosion or if you need to avoid obstacles in shallow waters. Inboard motors, being in the hull of a boat, are completely safe from the corrosive effects of saltwater. An inboard motor can give you 1500 hours, while an outboard motor will give you 750-900 hours. Determine the scope of damage internally, repair all internal damage. . Consult with your boat dealer to determine what your options are. Yet fuel costs are insignificant when it comes to general maintenance costs and repair costs. How to Choose Your Motor: Inboard vs. Especially with 2 engines. Compare the performance, reliability, maintenance, convenience and efficiency when choosing between sterndrive IO and inboard engines for power boats. If either option is available, see if you can test drive a boat with each type of engine. Some boats can house either an I/O engine or an outboard engine, but not all boats are equipped for both. This article distills the wisdom of the experts down to some basics for you, the owner of a diesel-powered boat… Latest. But remember, virtually all watercraft sold today are relatively low maintenance boats. In 2011 I built a house on a shallow bay that is 3' to 4'. Outboard Service Prices Whether it's a major service, a winterisation or even a pre-season inspection for your outboard or inboard engines. Many express cruiser style power boats offer both sterndrive inboard outboard (IO) and inboard (direct drive or V-drive) engine propulsion system options. Outboard vs. Inboard How big is the 26? The boat on the left has an inboard or sterndrive motor and the boat on the right has an outboard motor. Sterndrives are probably easier to find, at least when you're not on the coasts. … The cost of an outboard is cheaper and there are minimal vibrations. Outboard Motors: What You Need to Know | GoRollick Re: I/O vs outboard cost I always find this debate interesting. How To. If you were to disassemble your motor and ship it to an online company, then the costs … Even at a good price, a 30ft boat may not be as good of a deal as it seems. On an inboard, the drive housing and stator assembly require high performance gear lube as part of the recommended 100-hour service. In my opinion the situation changes whether we are talking about new or used boat. Even at a good price, a 30ft boat may not be as good of a deal as it seems. More boats have outboard engines than inboard, especially for their ease of use and low maintenance cost. have an inboard or I/O engine, but seeing an inboard on certain types of boats is pretty rare, such as. Inboard motors provide superior stability and are ideally suited for offshore, commercial, and some specific water skiing applications. Removing the engine for replacement or overhaul can be very costly, and may even require cutting through the fiberglass. The huge majority of sailboats large enough to have a motor were built for either an inboard or an outboard, so you'll usually be choosing between boats that already have one or the other installed. Boats that are for recreational cruising or fishing are most likely to have outboard motors because the benefits are more advantageous in this setting. An I/O engine is considered a mix of an inboard and an outboard because the engine is inside, but the propeller/rudder is outside. They also cater perfectly to people who want a perfect swimming platform or those who like to ski and enjoy other watersports. Evaluating Sterndrive Inboard Outboards. In this article, we are going to discuss more about what inboard and outboard engines are, the pros and cons of each type of engine, and how much they cost on average. Some popular inboard engine brands include: If you are wondering about how to afford your new boat, take a look at our Guide to Financing a Boat to find tips, tricks, and insight on how financing works in the marine industry. They can be operated by hand in smaller boats or connected to a steering and power system (similar to the look and feel of a car) in larger boats. A 10hp 4stroke outboard costs … In 2011 I built a house on a shallow bay that is 3' to 4'. Outboard vs. Inboard. For outboard engines, you will need to budget for buying one or more engines in addition to the cost of the boat. 2-Stroke Outboards: Average $150-$300 per engine in parts. The basic cost of an inboard engine is considerably higher than an outboard of similar size. Choosing an inboard or outboard motor for your boat is simple once you are familiar with how your needs affect the decision. 2-Stroke Outboards: Average $150-$300 per engine in parts. With mostly positive attributes, outboards do lack power and torque. Follow the service schedule outlined in your marine engine owner’s manual. Annual Service. Older outboard engines can sometimes be smoky and noisy. Inboard vs Outboard Motors: Pros and Cons. The disadvantages are that outboards have become as complicated as spacecraft and unless you are a good mechanic, you can’t do much if any, of the maintenance yourself. Ans piloting it will be different that what you're used to. At the end of the day, both engines are great choices and it will come down to your personal preference. If you have an outboard motor, flush your motor using the above engine maintenance tips. With the jet drive the bay becomes a place to play rather than a dangerous area to crawl through. Cost of Boat Maintenance. Re: Inboards vs I/O--long term reliability and maintenance costs Inboards are much lower maintenance, much simpler. Every boat I had driven up to 2012 had one or two props. In terms of aesthetic appeal, many boat owners do not like an outboard. When boat buying, they aren't clear on how each can be of benefit to them and their boating purposes and needs. The weight of the inboard is low in the hull, which contributes as ballast for enhanced stability. A true inboard is less common. It is easy to tilt them completely out of the water when not in use. Well, let’s delve deeper and find out.In terms of performing maintenance tasks,it is much easier to service an outboard engine than an inboard engine. … If you’ve ever seen the inside of an engine compartment for an inboard, you’ll quickly wonder if their mechanics could possibly moonlight as a horse jockeys or contortionists. Being that outboard motors are designed in an enclosed box, boat owners can lift them entirely out of the water when they aren’t being used. A stern drive IO, also known as an inboard outboard, has an outboard lower unit connected through the transom of a boat to an inboard … So on average, diesel is $.47 per gallon cheaper than gasoline at this writing. It’s a costly repair that would have you checking a boat payment calculator to see if you can afford a new craft. By averaging both diesel and gasoline fuel costs from 12 different sources I came up with marine gasoline averaging $2. I figured service on the outboard was more. Most outboard, sterndrive and gasoline inboard engines require basic service every 100 hours or annually. Differentiating between Inboards and Outboards. The motor that you should use will depend on the type and purpose of the boat being used and personal priorities. Contact Us. 97 per gallon and diesel costing $2.50 per gallon. Inboard Motor Maintenance. Outboard and sterndrive go head-to-head using a Glastron GTD 200 and GTD 205. I'll use two engines of comparable power to illustrate, a Crusader 350 HP gas and a Caterpillar 3208, 340 HP diesel engine. The Crusader engine was removed from the boat and rebuilt … Re: Boat Repair Costs - Fair? In addition, an inboard engine is better for gas efficiency since it reduces drag (it is not protruding upward). If you have an outboard motor, flush your motor using the above engine maintenance tips. Maintenance requirements vary depending on the size, brand, and model, but most owners will agree that outboards are easier to maintain. The difference is actually within the words; an inboard engine sits within the structure of the boat and is not visible whereas the outboard engine sits outside the structure of the boat and is clearly visible at all times. On a brand new boat, an I/O costs significantly less for the same given horsepower than an outboard. Each IPS has anodes as well, one up inside the exhaust tunnel (the other is on the transom); both Zeus anodes are on the trim tabs where they’re easy to reach. Ans piloting it will be different that what you're used to. The propeller does not steer the boat. Replacing Boat Motorwell Drains. Outboard Maintenance Cost: Inboards: Average $200-$500 per engine in parts. Every boat I had driven up to 2012 had one or two props. This type of engine is advantageous because the propeller actually steers the boat itself and you can lift it up to avoid shallow water or obstacles. Even if you buy a brand new boat, maintenance and repair expenses do need to be in the planning. Fax: 954-962-8703 The risk of water leaking into the boat may be slightly higher with an inboard engine. But these two costs also go hand in hand. Maintenance & repair costs. Outboard engines are popular because their mounting position high upon on the transom ensures easy access. Consider Paceship PY26 (also marketed as Tanzer27?) MerCruiser 4.5L & 6.2L Maintenance Step-by-step videos to help you maintain your MerCruiser 4.5L or 6.2L sterndrive or inboard… Lastly, a clean boat simply performs better. One of the most important – and expensive – features of any boat is the motor and when it comes to marine motors, your options are inboard … Annual Service. Outboard engines are also much more DIY-friendly. New and used boat buyers come in asking the difference and the benefits between an Outboard and an I/O (sterndrive) engine. Both sterndrive and inboard boat engine types have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to evaluating the overall engine performance, maintenance, reliability, convenience and efficiency in power boat. Cost of purchase/cost of maintenance. When you initially purchase your boat you will have to select and purchase an engine as well. Marina. More boats have outboard engines than inboard, especially for their ease of use and low maintenance cost. he told me to expect 8 to 10 hours depending on how much i want to get … When you’re ready to find your next boat, be sure to check us out at GoRollick.com. Difficult access means more expensive labor costs when routine maintenance or repairs are needed. Repair the damage to the engines due to the water intrusion. When selecting a new boat, one decision you will need to make is about the engine. After these hours, you will have to complete the required maintenance for the engine. Some of the differences between an inboard and outboard motors can cause you to wonder which one is best. Watch this QuickTip to learn how to inspect and replace your engine’s anodes. Bottom job: Cost of labor ($6.00 to $10 per foot) PLUS paint, which can run from $40 per gallon to $340 per gallon (yes, $340.00 per gallon – and you thought gasoline was expensive). Your boat dealer and manufacturer should be able to help you make an informed decision along with some online research of pros and cons (like here), reviews, and asking around. An over sized outboard can pose a risk to the sailboat’s balance. The terms "drive end" and "non-drive end" are more to the point but not as accepted as inboard and outboard. Outboard | NADAguides The outboard engine steers the boat itself by moving left or right. Outboard engines are mounted on the outside of the boat, high on the transom and can be tilted completely out of the water making it very easy to perform maintenance and if need be, replace. Another benefit is that the prop is lower in the water, which reduces the chances of cavitating in steep waves and considerable water movement. Maintenance requirements vary depending on the size, brand, and model, but most owners will agree that outboards are easier to maintain. On a wooden boat this will add a whole new carpentry cost… Regardless of maintenance costs, I chose a jet boat for shallow water ability and safety. Yet you may still need to decide between Boat A with one type and similar Boat B with the other. Some boats allow you to customize the engine and with others, you will likely need to go with the manufacturer’s recommendation. For a boat with an I/O engine, the engine will be placed towards the back of the boat (still fully concealed), but the propeller part of the engine will stick out. The disadvantages are that outboards have become as complicated as spacecraft and unless you are a good mechanic, you can’t do much if any, of the maintenance yourself. The bay is 1/2 mile wide and a mile long. The gas tank may have to be positioned awkwardly, unless the boat is specifically designed to prevent this. The huge majority of sailboats large enough to have a motor were built for either an inboard or an outboard, so you'll usually be choosing between boats that already have one or the other installed. These types of boats are well-suited for inboard engines because they are large enough to still seat quite a few people, even with the engine living inside the boat. Many people considering the purchase of a new boat often ask about the differences between outboard and stern drive (or inboard/outboard) propulsion.. Understanding the pros and cons of each system will help families find the right boat for their situation. Rocking to the top and perhaps the probably biggest benefit to an outboard motor is ease of maintenance and accessibility. Our current boat has a 5.0L v8 I/O the anual service costs $380 that includes changing all 8 spark plugs as we get that done every year whether needed or not so the service on the I/O is not bad at all. For a small recreational boat, they are unwieldy, expensive, and more difficult to load. Frequency will With mostly positive attributes, outboards do lack power and torque. Outboard Maintenance Cost: Inboards: Average $200-$500 per engine in parts. Difficult access means more expensive labor costs when routine maintenance or repairs are needed. On a boat that size, there are a lot of new systems to learn. While there is a hatch to inspect and access the engine room on virtually every boat, you can’t always remove the engine without cutting out a bulkhead or deck. Boats are almost always sold without the engine. Each one is placed on the boat in a different place. W h e n I asked about used boat buying and selling he was very quick to say that the diesel-fueled boat will always sell much more quickly, and will nearly always command a higher selling price. At Service n Repair we pride ourselves on remembering our customers requirements and budgets, which is why we offer 3 different levels of servicing - basic, intermediate and full. Compared to sterndrives, outboard motors are easier to maintain. The inboard systems are more appropriate for heavy vessels that require large sized motors. Outboard Motors: The Good and the Bad. Inboard motor units tend to require less maintenance. Outboard engines are mounted on the outside of the boat, high on the transom and can be tilted completely out of the water making it very easy to perform maintenance and if need be, replace. Ease of Maintenance & Accessibility. A non V-drive inboard will have the engines mounted amidships in most cases, which helps balance the boat. Being that outboard motors are designed in an enclosed box, boat owners can lift them entirely out of the water when they aren’t being used. Some people enjoy all aspects of working on their boat themselves, while for others, handling maintenance tasks is more a matter of saving on boat maintenance cost than anything else. When I asked him by how much, he was quick to say $20,000 to $30,000, matching what I had learned in my research using the NADA … Allow $450 per IPS … Posted on November 2, 2016 by Holt Marine. We are comparing Sterndrive 1/0 vs an inboard engine for Power Boats. The two catboats shown in these photos, for example, are of roughly the same size, … In order to get the power an inboard engine produces, there must be multiple outboard … Even if you buy a brand new boat, maintenance and repair expenses do need to be in the planning. Now let’s consider “hidden” boat maintenance costs – stuff you that you may not have thought of, but you will probably want to … I am trying to decide whether to buy a boat with an "outboard" motor, an "inboard" motor, or an "inboard/outboard " motor. Regardless of obvious biases, (Sea Born’s are sold exclusively with outboard motors. It is sometimes possible to improve the boat’s steering capability, depending on the engine’s mounting. Outboard engines can cost anywhere from $1,000 to about $15,000+ to purchase upfront. Choosing between these engine drive types should be given careful thought for a new… If buying a boat is on your radar, one question you will need to answer is the type of engine you want. play video. The award-winning boating magazine publishes several issues a year and is an exclusive benefit of BoatUS … As a general rule of thumb, even if you don’t want to lift a finger beyond washing your boat … I have here on my desk a major overhaul bill for each. 2 cycle outboards, where the gas and the outboard motor oil are mixed together almost all have automatic mixing pumps (above 40 HP or so) that take … Because both motors are very different, their methods of maintenance are different as well. Sacrificial anode maintenance is both cheap and easily performed by the average inboard boat owner. Maintenance is definitely easier with an outboard as the self-contained unit is quite accessible. Higher upfront cost; Labor-intensive maintenance; Significantly more complex repairs; Full boat winterization required The Complete Guide to Outboard Motors . Some 26 footers are heavy and beamy and push the limits of the size boat that should have an outboard. The main difference between an inboard and an outboard engine is their placement in the boat. 4470 Ravenswood rd, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312. In a true inboard, the propeller is in a fixed position and cannot go up or down. December 7, 2017. This year … Yet you may still need to decide between Boat A with one type and similar Boat B with the other. It also means you have some room for customization and can choose exactly which engine you want. The main reason being the cost to rebuild or replace the engine, I could replace the mercruiser for less than $2500, a replacement 225 outboard would be well over $10,000. Mercury outboard motors are fully independent motors that mount onto the exterior of the transom. When selecting an engine, there is one important choice you need to make first: inboard or outboard? Choosing between these engine drives, should be given careful thought. A boat’s engine access can also add significant costs. Your personal preferences may also influence your decision in choosing between inboards versus outboards. ... and What It Costs Eye-Opening Facts About the Cost of Boat Gas The Complete Guide to Selling Your Sailboat How to Choose Your Motor: Inboard vs. Some popular outboard engine brands include: To find out more about how much a boat costs in general, take a look at our article on How Much a Boat Costs. For a small recreational boat, they are unwieldy, expensive, and more difficult to load. These types of boats are well-suited for inboard engines because they are large enough to still seat quite a few people, even with the engine living inside the boat. Like most choices in the boat buying process, weighing inboard vs. outboard can often be a bit challenging especially for first time buyers. If you are in the market for a new boat (maybe your first boat), you can get stuck on this crucial decsion. And if you keep up the maintenance, either will provide you years of trouble-free service. A good inboard system usually relies upon a separate rudder to facilitate steering. Follow the service schedule outlined in your marine engine owner’s manual. … The feel when driving with either type of engine is pretty different, so that might persuade you one way or the other. They are powered by an automotive engine connected to a drive unit that is both the transmission and the propulsion. Replacing any boat’s engine(s) is a … Maintenance Both inboard and outboard jet drives have suggested annual or 100-hour maintenance plans. One downside to an outboard engine is that they are loud and create larger wakes, which can be problematic if you use your boat for watersports like skiing. Sailboats with inboard engines usually have higher electrical power and advanced cruising equipment. If you use the boat infrequently, use a maintenance-type battery charger to keep the battery fully charged between outings. The lowest cost engine and the highest cost engine for the same boat changed the total MSRP for that boat by over $50K. Inboard vs. An outboard motor, however, is easier to work on in case there is a problem or maintenance … to find tips, tricks, and insight on how financing works in the marine industry. There is a distinction between a true inboard engine and an inboard/outboard engine we need to discuss. Sterndrive engines are a combination of inboard and outboard engines. Most outboard, sterndrive and gasoline inboard engines require basic service every 100 hours or annually. What Boats Usually Have an Outboard Engine? The engine is typically mounted in a tight space, which makes it more difficult to work on. The two … It gets more confusing when assigning inboard and outboard to gearbox intermediate shaft bearings. Thank you to https://www.boat-ed.com for the image used in the article. Most express cruiser style power boats offer both sterndrive inboard outboard (IO) and inboard (direct drive or V-drive) engine propulsion system options. BoatUS Magazine, official publication of the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), provides recreational boating skills, DIY maintenance, safety, news, lifestyle and personality profiles, and insight from top experts. In doing so, the propeller remains protected against … Anodes help protect your outboard against galvanic corrosion by “sacrificing” their metal to be slowly eroded instead of the outboard. You will see outboard engines on pontoons, aluminum boats, bass boats, bowriders, small cruisers, and some high-performance off-shore speed and fishing boats. STERNDRIVE BASICS . Tom Lochhaas. What Are Outboard Motors? The marine diesel engine that powers your boat is a relatively simple beast. Outboards are more easily accessible for repairs and servicing. Outboard motors are more of a general purpose motor that offers convenient control, replacement, and maintenance. We pit outboard versus inboard to examine the strengths and weaknesses of each powerplant. Outboard engines, on the other hand, are outside the boat, making them easier to reach for repairs and giving you the ability to conduct most maintenance in or out of the water. Inboards are usually diesel engines with lower running and maintenance costs and higher reliability. Again, the exact costs will vary greatly from boat to boat. An inboard is hidden within the boat and an outboard is 100% visible. When a boat has a true inboard engine, the engine will be placed in the center of the boat (inside the boat) and have a driveshaft connected to a propeller, which will give the boat power. Again, the exact costs will vary greatly from boat to boat. What Boats Usually Have an Inboard Engine? Below are some things to consider when deciding between a single vs. twin engines. However, it does incur maintenance and replacement cost. Slacking on maintenance will require more repairs in the long run, and repairing things quickly and completely can reduce maintenance cost. Outboard engines are the idyllic choice for fishermen and light commercial inshore boats. Former NFL Player Domenik Hixon is a Successful Charter Fishing Captain. Boat Motor Maintenance Marine Engine Care Inboard Transmission Maintenance Boatus Magazine Top 10 Tips For Maintenance Stern Drive Maintenance Boatus Inboard Vs Outboard Engines Fishing Boat Repair Service Outboard … Typically you will see an inboard engine on. Pros and Cons of an Inboard Engine. Additionally, the sterndrive has more moving parts which tends to lead to more maintenance … *Winks) personal preferences, and “expert opinions” aside, both power options have their … Boat maintenance, as a whole, is actually quite similar to automobile maintenance. Outboard vs. Sterndrive. This is good and bad. © 2021 MechanicAdvisor.com | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy, How to Buy an Extended Car Warranty That Will Actually Pay Off, VIDEO: How to Change Your Windshield Wipers. Removal for replacement is also much easier. Outboard motors are more common in boating because they are slightly less expensive, allow more flexibility, more seating capacity, and are easier to maintain. An outboard engine is a boat propulsion system that delivers power to a boat via an engine mounted on the outside hull of a boat. The one-time purchasing cost for outboard motors is low. An I/O engine is considered a mix of an inboard and an outboard because the engine is inside, but the propeller/rudder is outside. They also cater perfectly to people who want a perfect swimming platform or those who like to ski and enjoy other watersports. While the Outboard motor can be removed and cleaned, the inboard cannot. When it comes to maintenance, as mentioned in the section about saltwater, it seems like the outboard engine has lower maintenance costs when compared to inboard engines. Compared with the gasoline engine powering your car, diesels are uncomplicated, and routine maintenance will assure years of reliable service. Check out our pontoon 101 here. Outboard … The Benefits of Outboard vs Inboard Motors. John Page Williams. Lack of engine access on some boats can add significant cost to a repower project. The weight of the inboard is low in the hull, which contributes as ballast for enhanced stability. There are times early and late in the season that an outboard would be nice, but when I bought the boat I was on a budget and got the best bang for the buck. you can lift it up to avoid shallow water or obstacles. as an example of close to too much boat for an outboard. Boat motor maintenance marine engine care inboard transmission maintenance top 10 tips for maintenance stern drive maintenance boatus. On an inboard, the drive housing and stator assembly require high performance gear lube as part of the recommended 100-hour service. Inboard does not compromise the boat’s aesthetic appearance because it stays out of sight. Many boats are built with the engines installed before the deck is fastened in place.