Best motor? Direct Drive, Inboard/Outboard, or Outboard - The Hull Truth

Gratitude2 · 10-10-2007, 08:50 AM

Ok, here is what I am contemplating:

What motor is the most reliable?
Economical?
Lowest cost for maintenance?
Lowest cost to replace?

I looked at the price of regular gas vs diesel yesterday. Regular $2.79 Diesel $3.27. Given the spread is diesel still justifiable?

I realize that some boats can not have a particular type of motor due to space considerations. However I am trying to design the best boat for me beginning with the engine.

I fish S. CA, and am looking to extend my range with a trailerable capable of the Inside Passage with limited cooking, and a Pilothouse.

Thanks for your insights.

Jim

JAGSARE1 · 10-10-2007, 08:59 AM

Diesel is much less expensive here in Florida, at least on the water. There are other reasons to consider diesel, fuel economy, reliability, longevity. But you will probably never get a consensus on your questions about IB, I/O and OB. Too many differing opinions and many of them valid. Here are some thoughts as I have owned them all.

Inboard - simple, fewer parts, depending on the engine room it could be very easy or impossible to work on the engine, heavier than an OB.

I/O - 2 systems to maintain...the engine and the outdrive. If you fish, this is the last choice, IMHO. More efficient than a comparable IB because you can trim the drive for the most efficient operation. Engine is pretty cheap to replace. Drive can get expensive. If you don't maintain the drive, it will cost you money in the long run.

OB - lightest, the new 4-strokes might provide the best fuel economy. Personally, I don't like the noise. Easy to remove and replace. Not inexpensive to maintain but may compete for the easiest to maintain. Problem is that there is very little you can do, have to rely on a professional. Cost of replacement approaches the cost of a comparable diesel engine.

richinct · 10-10-2007, 09:18 AM

JAGS is right, there are so many different applications that no one system can be called 'the best'. There are so many pros and cons to each. If there was one that was truly the best in all categories there would be no need for the other 2.

MC · 10-10-2007, 11:21 AM

If range and daily operation costs are you biggest concerns, a diesel inboard is about the best you can get.

A gas inboard will give you reliability, low cost of maintenance, and low cost of replacement (if that time ever comes), but at a higher fuel burn rate then the diesel. The inboard will have better gas consumption than any 4-stroke outboard- period. The inboard will be cheaper to maintain/service- period.

I assume you are buying new. At .50/gal difference you have to ask yourself how many gallons of fuel you will need to burn to make of the cost difference of installing a diesel v. gasser. (some of the diesel service requirements are pricey). I've done that calucation a few times and ended up having to run my boat at cruising speed for some 500 hrs to make up the difference- which would probably take 10 yrs.

Work 'em Silly · 10-10-2007, 11:24 AM

Most reliable - don't want to start a engine war.
Most economical (MPG) - Outboard, I/O
Lowest Cost for Maintenance - Gas Inboard (especially for DIY)
Lowest Cost to replace - Gas Inboard (no contest)
Lowest overall cost of ownership - Gas Inboard
Slowest - Inboard

My boat - Inboard

If I had to have an outboard, I probably would have a MUCH smaller boat. The inboard has made owning a 25' boat reasonable from a financial perspective.

Onewolf · 10-10-2007, 11:38 AM

Quote:

The inboard will have better gas consumption than any 4-stroke outboard- period.

Are you referring to a true straight inboard or an IO? I can see a gas IO being as fuel efficient as an 4S outboard but if you're referring to a true inboard then I might question it (Especially if we're talking about 30+ MPH cruising speeds where most outboard powered boats are happy).

Doug

marsea · 10-10-2007, 03:14 PM

All good points mentioned.
Get a price difference on a boat model / class with a diesel and then with an outboard or gas I/B engine.
There's probably about a $10,000 plus price difference.
Then ask yourself one question.....
Am I going to burn $10,000 + worth of fuel?
If so, go for diesel.
If not, go gas.

oldmako · 10-10-2007, 06:38 PM

Purty happy with my inboard. Burns about 8-10 gph
- parts from NAPA
- no special tools or knowledge required to wrench upon
- CLEAN transom
- fixable while at sea
- very cheap to replace the engine as compared to an OB
- sounds cool

But, a bit slow.

welder · 10-10-2007, 06:48 PM

Pacificboats .com

Get the Honda.

Nuff said.

intreppy345 · 10-10-2007, 07:57 PM

I've owned a gas inboard, gas inboard/outboard, and now currently run outboards. I can honestly say that I will never buy anything other than an OUTBOARD ever again. The #1 pain in the ass about boating is maintenance and subsequently reliability. These outboards require hardly any maint and always seem to work. My motors are now almost 10 years old and have had ZERO problems. I do routine maint on them 1 per year and run them almost weekly. That's priceless!

mbb · 10-10-2007, 08:58 PM

Todays outboards are the best all around motors. Reliability, versatility, twins, handling, hull choices. Their only drawback is COST.

Gas inboards are the cheapest and probably most reliable single power option. Few hull choices, usually wetter, slow , but good sea keeping with the low cg. Shallow water and crab traps cause nightmares. And LOUD when those exhausts are above the water while underway (non muffled, and most arent).

Diesel inboards are the cats meow of inboards, but cost cost cost again.