Help please with a boat motor question

[Radke]

I told myself that this would be the year I was going to buy a boat, but like most things in my life, I need to analyze it to death before I can make a decision.

My question is in regards to the advantages and disadvantages to an inboard verses an outboard. The first obvious advantage to an outboard is that you have more 'in board' room, room that would otherwise be taken up by the engine compartment. But beyond that, how do they compare as far as things such as fuel economy, reliability, ease of service? What are the considerations I should give that I have no clue about, in other words, things not listed here.

please help the uninformed

[BigFishFever]

Radke

I grew up with outboards, and I swore that is whatI would always have, however I recently picked up a I/0 with a 4 cyl engine...I will definetly say that the I/O is easier to work on if you have a knowledge of motors.

The outboards, are much more complex, and harder to work on in my opinion.
I do look forward to the day that I can get a boat that doesnt have half the fishin' area filled with a motor though!
Just my .02!

[slabhunter]

If you're looking at propeler-drive, IMHO go outboard. Jet-drive in shallow water, inboard jet(sportjet for 18'-19') for 20'+. Try going out in different boats and see what each has to offer. Chose what fits your needs, you will be much happier in the long run.

[grog3]

I THINK A 4 STROKE OUTBOARD IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO FOR FISHING IN PNW (EITHER PUMP OR PROP).....THEIR IS NOT ENOUGH BIG WHITE WATER THAT YOU WOULD NEED AN INBOARD JET PLUS YOU GET SO MUCH MORE FISHING SPACE WITH THE OUTBOARD. IF YOUR WORRIED ABOUT SHALLOW WATER JUST GET AN OUTBOARD WITH A JET PUMP. FUEL ECONOMY IS MUCH BETTER ON THE 4 STROKE. JUST MY OPINION

[Hawg Caller]

I have an I/O they are easier to work on I think there more dependable, better fuel economy,but...you do lose alot of room "in" the boat, I think I need 2 boats 1 outboard, for river fishing and 1 "In" for big water stuff.just my .02 worth.

[Skipper]

I have a 19' Harbercraft with a 70 hp Suzuki 4 stroke outboard. Both were new in 2000. I have only needed to change spark plugs, both oils, filter, and impeller. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

The Suzuki moves my boat 40mph, trolls right down for salmon (no kicker), I usually burn about 6 gal of gas running out 5 mi in the blue and trolling for 6 hrs.

I talked to some other guys at the Sportsman Show who have I/O's who burn 40 gal doing the same route.

Cheerio'
Skipper

[THE HAPPY HOOKER]

Radke I would first decide how much hp you'll be most happy with, and or what kind of bodies of water will you be using your boat. Things to consider