I'm looking to buy my first boat this year and wanted to get everyone's opinion on the pros / cons of inboard vs. outboard engines. I'm leaning towards an outboard with these recent gas prices (is there a big difference in gas useage between the two ?). There is a lot of experience on this website and I want to take full advantage of it. Thanks in advance for everyones help.
P.S. Perch fishing was great this weekend off the Huron Lighthouse shoreline! I limited out both days.
I run an outboard and here's what I think are the advantages 1. You can fish earlier and later in the season because there is no fear of cracking the block as long as when you put the boat on the trailer you lower the tilt all the way down to drain it. 2. Shallower draft than an I/O 3. Generally faster than I/O 4. Lighter weight=better power to weight ratio(and easier on tow vehicle). An I/O with 190 HP is roughly comparable to the 150 outboard I have. Weight of 150 outboard appx 450lbs vs. 1000 lbs for I/O.
Disadvantages of an outboard: This topic is debateable and really is based on what type of outboard were talking about. There have been many recent developments that have really made outboards superior than I/O's in many ways. The old carburated outboards are basically obsolete now. IMHO the new breed of 4 stroke outboards are the way to go. No 2 cycle oil, quieter and smoother than carbed 2 strokes yet still rated at up to 250 hp (Suzuki) and Merc 275 Verado supercharged 4 stroke (I'd stay away for now from the new Merc). Service is less available for outboards on the great lakes as I/O's are much more common.
One thing I must mention is cockpit space. An I/O has a motor box against the transom in the way, some outboard boats have the splashwell in the way, some outboards if set an a bracket have a nice cockpit, and here's my favorite set up as of now---------A full inboard powerplant with a flush deck or a motorbox set amidships makes for a wonderfully fishable transom. All open space.
Both designs have their advantages and one I forgot for the outboard is that if you dock you can tilt the entire motor up out of the water to prevent growth on the lower unit and corrosion(more of a problem in saltwater).
Before you make the decision on the boat post me back on this website with the brands of boats and type(walkaround, Center console, pilothouse(which I think are the best lake Erie boats). and I'll gladly give my opinion. Hope this helps Paul
Amanda Too,
Thanks for all the info. it's greatly appreciated. I really like the walk around cuddy type, I looked at a Proline the other day, but it had an I/O. In your opinion what's a good brand of boat to begin looking at. I'm looking to spend under $20K. Thanks again.
Under 20K is gonna be tough. I'd look at a mid-late 90s 21 Trophy with a Merc 150 minimum. Get some full canvas and it has a nice little cuddy. Sea trial and compression check is mandatory. You cold find an older pro line or hydra sports also.
Center consoles offer a larger fishing area and if you plan to fish with 4 people I might lean toward a CC.
Boattraderonline is a good resource. Plug in your area, price range and it will tell you exactly what 20K will buy you.
Good luck.
A Whaler Montauk with a 90 4 stroke is a nice outfit in your range. Also I looked at a Crestliner welded aluminum 18 Alaskan with a new 4stroke would be within your budged new. Get an electric on the front dual batteries.
I could go on and on..........