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Inboard or outboard

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WesB

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" Hi, just wanted an opinion o

" Hi, just wanted an opinion or two about what's better. Inboard or Outboard? Which will typically last longer with fewer problems? What aqre the most common problems of each and what are the pro's for each? I'm looking to buy a boat and we've found one that is a 1980 Glascon inboard. How many hours would be a reasonable estimate on wheather I should seriously look at this boat? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. "
 
" I prefer I/O units personall

" I prefer I/O units personally. A 1980 unit is 24 years old so how do you know if it is good. If you can run the unit, check oil pressure, check operation of lower unit, (shifting fwd, neutral, rev), then after shutdown, do compression test, check oil to make sure not milky color, check oil lower unit to make sure not milky color, (milky colored oil means water is mixing in oil meaning there is a leak), do pressure test on lower unit and leave about 10 - 12 lbs pressure on unit for at least 12 hours to see if seals are OK, (dry test would be better but oil in the unit will pass), if these tests pass OK then you now have to justify the money asked in the sale versus a 24 year old unit. Like a car, 24 year old car is worth how much?? Depends on condition, same with a boat. Have fun. "
 
" WesB and Gary, I have had o

" WesB and Gary, I have had outboard motors for 30 years and a Mercruiser for 10 years. These are all used in salt water. This year while winterizing the Mercruiser I did some mental math to determine the difference in periodic maintenance requirements for the O/B and the I/O. I estimated that it is at least $300/year more to maintain my Mercruiser, since stuff unique to the I/O (engine water pump, alternator, thermostat, risers, manifolds,hoses...) just wears out, or rusts away. I have never had to replace any of this stuff on my Merc. outboards. It seems the outboards continue to run until they are completely worn out. This takes 20 years.

The I/Os have two advantages. They are much better on fuel and idle and run smoother than the outboards. "
 
" Chris has it about right, sa

" Chris has it about right, salt water is hard on iron, plus power to weight ratio is something to think about. I/O are economical at the gas pump
but hard at the repair shop if it is going to be
in salt water. You need to think about what vessel
will be used for mainly like speed, pulling, draft. "
 
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