#Inboard outboard boat full#

Inboard engines are typically heavier than outboard engines, and compared to the outboard, the accessibility of the inboard is much less. Moreover, the propeller positioned under the transom is a safer position for, say, wakesurfers that are riding in relative close proximity to the boat. Inboard boats often create consistent, nice ramps and track true for skiiers and wakeboarders. Inboard motors are popular with boats where watersports are a priority. However, some efficiency is often lost from the motor to the propeller due to the direction change of the V-drive.

More interior cabin space or additional seating is often enabled in this arrangement as a result of the engine being placed further back. The running gear on the bottom of the boat resembles that of the straight shaft inboard system.

The V-drive inboard system differs from the straight shaft in that it has a forward facing motor with a transmission that redirects the drive shaft toward the back of the boat. However, on occasion the engines may need to be placed further forward which can compromise cabin space or seating options. The direct drivetrain can result in minimal loss of power from the engine, and the simple setup results in a high degree of reliability. In this system, the rear facing engine is connected to a driveshaft that comes straight out of the bottom of the boat. Straight shaft inboard engines are quite common propulsion systems. An additional rudder positioned behind the propeller is used for steering. The drive shaft is connected to a propeller. Inboard engines are mounted inside the hull’s midsection and are connected to a drive shaft that runs through the bottom of the hull. As we can already tell, the planned use cases for your boat are a major component of deciding upon the best boat engines. The design, however, means the boater has better transom access which can benefit activities such as fishing (it’s no surprise that outboard engines are typically the primary choice for fishing boats).

#Inboard outboard boat full#

An additional benefit comes with the ability to tilt the engine up when traveling through shallow waters and thus protecting the equipment.Ī drawback of this design is the fact that a boat with an outboard motor cannot have a full swim platform (may have twin swim platforms flanking the outboard engine). In addition to providing propulsion, outboard engines also provide steering control by pivoting and controlling the direction of the thrust.īecause the self-contained outboard engine is mounted to the transom, maintenance is quite easy. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Outboard Engine Sales Trends report, outboard engine retail sales increased for the 7th consecutive year in 2018 to a 12-year high.Īn outboard motor is a self-contained unit that includes the engine, gearbox and propeller, mounted on the boat’s transom sitting outside the hull at the back of the vessel. Fueled partially by a growing popularity in pontoon boats and saltwater fishing vessels, sales of outboard engines have been growing steadily in recent years. The growth in recreational boating has had a corresponding growth in popularity and advancements in outboard engines. In this article, we will go over the various types of boat engines, the pros and cons of each, consider more deeply the debate between outboard motors and sterndrive motors, and finally, discuss some of the newer technologies hitting the market with regards to boat propulsion. Like the type of the boat and the amenities it offers, boat engines are an important consideration when thinking through your various boating use cases and when examining initial and long-term costs. Boat engines are an important topic whether you are buying, selling or maintaining a boat.