Inboard or Outboard?

ScottD · 01-31-2002, 10:29 PM

What are the advantages of an inboard vs. an outboard motor on a jet sled. I would think that an outboard would be better, because of the lighter weight. What would be the reasons to choose a sled with an inboard? My dad is thinking about getting his first sled and he is leaning toward the inboard. He is looking at 18 - 19 foot boats. Thanks for your input.

Salmonator · 01-31-2002, 10:42 PM

18-19 foot, most people wouldn't be happy with the room an inboard will give them. A 19 footer with a sportjet isn't even enough room in my opinion and I've fished in a few different brands. I'm sure you will get a few opinions here...

[ 01-31-2002, 11:43 PM: Message edited by: Salmonator ]

Empire · 02-01-2002, 05:23 AM

I recently settled on an outboard. The advantages of an inboard over an outboard are mitigated with the new 4 stroke outboards now available (mostly noise and oil issues). I was not willing to give up all the space in an 18 foot boat for the inboard doghouse. Also, Mercury is running a special until April 15, you get a 5 year warranty!

Doc Spratley · 02-01-2002, 07:08 AM

I agree with Empire. The new outboards are quiet and the 4 strokes solve the pollution problem caused by oil in the 2 stroked systems. For me, the biggest thing would be space. In a boat the size your dad is interested in, the inboard engine housing is just going to take up too much room. Heck, even with an outboard, by the time you load that boat up with 3 guys and all their gear, everyone is going to be bumping into each other. You know the old rule, whatever length boat you end up buying, you immediately wish you had chosen something 3 feet longer!!!

Grass Hopper · 02-01-2002, 07:15 AM

True outboard jets lose about 30% of their horsepower due to an inefficient pump. Mercury rates the sport jet pump at a 12% loss. Yet true inboards lose only about 6-8%. True inboards have heaters. Anybody can work on them. Get parts anywhere. 3 year warrenty standard. And 1 hell of a lot more horsepower. The best power to weight ratio in the jet business is still the sportjet. Yet the jet and pump are as one and cannot be repaired or replaced seperately. $$$ not looking forward to that day. Inboards also turn in about 1/2 the distance. What a rush.

Tilla · 02-01-2002, 09:01 AM

Inboards do put holes in the hull below the waterline

cannonball · 02-01-2002, 04:51 PM

You might wint to consider how an outboard backs up, I honestly dont know how well they do, but a sportjet or an inboard with a hamilton or AT with high thrust will stop in a hurry and back you up. [img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img]

Bob Barthlow · 02-01-2002, 05:15 PM

cannonball, I don't think backing up is an issue, I have a MERC 200,(140)hp outboard jet on my supervee, anyway it will back fast enough to splash water over the stern....lots of reverse! An outboard works the same way, you can go from forward to reverse at full throttle, better hang on!.......plus lots moooooore room. :shocked:

02-01-2002, 08:06 PM

You may want to check out the Outback by Motion Marine. The box is set back out of the back and adds valuable space to the boat. They also have a 175SJ inboard with a tiller! Ive seen a couple of those on their Motion Marine Fishin Machines. Good luck!

Tacklebuster · 02-01-2002, 08:30 PM

One issue that must be brought up is the cost of replacement. I have had an outboard and now have an inboard. The best thing about an inboard is just about everybody can work on them. I can replace one for about 2500 bucks. Do you know the going rate of a 225 horsepower four stroke :shocked: You may lose a little fishing room but I guess it is a give and take. I wouldn't trade my 4.3 Vortec for any outboard on the river [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]