The Difference Between Inboard And Inboard /outboard Motors.

Which should you buy? Inboard or Outboard? What’s the difference?

There are many.

An inboard propulsion system has the engine mounted inside the boat with movable shafts passing through the hull underwater on which is a propeller. Also passing through the hull is a shaft, one side of which is connected to a flat slab of metal called a Rudder. The other end is connected to control rods or cables above water that runs to the boat’s helm, or steering wheel. The rudder works by dragging in the water, and is influenced by the wash of the propeller.

From a control standpoint, an inboard functions beautifully in forward drive, but will be sluggish in reverse because there is little drag against the rudder, adversely affecting steering.

From a maintenance standpoint, the inboard make it virtually impossible to change a propeller without either diving, or taking the boat out of the water.

The Inboard-Outboard type brings together the best of two worlds – the increased size and horsepower of the inboard, and the maneuverability and versatility of the outboard.

Instead of a rudder, there is a “lower unit” that turns like an outboard (and can tilt up for access to the prop like an outboard) Since the propeller actually turns and pushes the stern around, the boat can make tighter turns and is more briskly responsive to the helm.

Another advantage is that reversing the prop for backing doesn‘t depend on a rudder for steering astern. It makes the boat much simpler to dock.

The disadvantages are the maintenance needed to keep an outdrive in good shape – and the bellows that keep the water on the outside of the boat have to be watched very carefully – worn bellows is very high on the list of reasons that I/O boats sink.

By: Jim Truckey

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Article by Jim Truckey, Owner of Good Tidings Nautical Gifts www.nautical-gifts.us