Inney or Outtey

[Bigplumbs]

I am sure this has been asked before but I was wondering what you people think is best between an inboard or outboard motor. I am sort of an outboard guy but was wondering if I am missing out on anything.

Also with inboards are Mercruiser the best and how much more grunt is there in a 4.3 v a 3.0 ltr

Regards

Dennis

[Xboatboyx]

Outboards are easier to maintain and it gives you more space in the boat , whereas Inboards generally gives the boat better looks. I personally prefer inboards just because I prefer to sacrifice the space for looks. As for which engine is better it depends on what boat it is and what you want it for. The 3.0litre in an 18ft boat will top out at about 38knots with a lot of trimming and will get on plane in seconds if you pin the throttle down. I can't comment on the 4.3 as I've not been in one but from what i know they run a lot smoother than the 3.0litres and pack more a punch so you will get more top end out of it.

Sportsboats either come with Mercruisers or Volvo Pentas but as far as I'm aware they are pretty much the same design so I don't think one is better over the other, so it comes down to how well its been looked after.

[mlines]

The current trend is for outboards, probably due to the reduced running costs (both maintenance and fuel). You will see some medium sized cruisers now sporting outboards. Inboards take up room within the boat, but can be more powerful. Whilst there are some diesel outboards around if you are going for an oil burner you are limited to inboards, probably because you do not want the extra weight on the transom.

[ian h]

Outboards are easier to maintain and it gives you more space in the boat , whereas Inboards generally gives the boat better looks. I personally prefer inboards just because I prefer to sacrifice the space for looks. As for which engine is better it depends on what boat it is and what you want it for. The 3.0litre in an 18ft boat will top out at about 38knots with a lot of trimming and will get on plane in seconds if you pin the throttle down.r.

Agree with you on this, much prefer the lines of a sports boat with inboard engine. . Also does not get stolen like outboards
Top out at 38 knots !!! what are you doing rowing !!!
In my last boat a 17 GTS fletcher with 3.0 litre inboard i topped out at 42 knots that was with a stainless lazer prop and a dolefin , lots of stern lift, Was told there was only about 1 foot of boat in the water , was an intresting ride

[Xboatboyx]

Top out at 38 knots !!! what are you doing rowing !!!
In my last boat a 17 GTS fletcher with 3.0 litre inboard i topped out at 42 knots that was with a stainless lazer prop and a dolefin , lots of stern lift, Was told there was only about 1 foot of boat in the water , was an intresting ride

Ours only had a stainless prop on it and to be fair the 185 is slightly bigger than the fletcher so would be slower. Still 42 knots is now nothing for us with the 350mag V8 .

[ColinR]

I agree with the looks issue on the inboard but you have the expensive leg to maintain. An outboard is cheaper to maintain but historically were thirsty to run. the newer ones are much much better .

One issue is that the weight is pushed much further back so might cause trim issues although I assume the boat will be designed accordingly.

Access to the stern is also compromised with an outboard so may be an issue for wakeboarding, skiing etc.

[ChrisH]

have just changed over the winter from a 50HP outboard to 4.3l 190 HP inboard.
Always vowed I would not go down the route of a bowrider and inboard engine, but I fell in love with the boat.
Only been out twice so far and I am still V V nervous about running costs. It's a big jump from my little 50HP. In fact I am really scared. But you only live once.

I can see the simplicity of the mercruiser engine (carb version), should be good from a mechanical perspective, but accessibility seems a nightmare for some simple tasks. Just finding the damn drain plugs for one, but also my bilge pump is not working and it is right under the engine somewhere. Access seems impossible

So, it looks lovely, goes lovely, but imo there is a bit of a price to pay in some other areas.

[Carl]

I went from a tiny 15hp outboard on another boat we had to our current 3.0 mercruiser in Vonny. ..

[Ianfs]

There's a lot of great information here.

To answer your question about Mercruiser and 4.3 or 3.0l power/grunt.

3.0L 135hp, 4.3L 175, 195, 225HP depending on year. Is Mercruiser the best? Well thats debatable and as already said the major players are Volvo and Mecruiser, both are equally great in their own ways and both have equally annoying bits. This is a personal view but I prefer Volvo only because I feel its a bit neater.

Mostly though unless you are buying new and can specify, if you like a certain boat you will be stuck with whats in it unless you spend loads of money. All in all as said there is very little to choose between Volvo and Mercruiser, unless of course you are buying Diesel, then it s different story.