And having said that, I'd never own one again. I/Os are pretty much the entry level, learn as you go, type product. I have owned both I/O and Outboard (but like the previous posts I'd love an inboard Shamrock.they are very very nice). The new generation 4-stroke outboard engines require a little more maintenance than the older 2-stroke engines, but maufactures like Honda are seeing engine life in excess of 15,000 hrs without major failures. If I were going to have a bigger boat, something in the 30+ range, I'd go inboard and Diesel, Greater initial expense for the diesel, but much cheaper to operate fuel wise. That's why in stayed away from an I/O boat and went with outboard. I've worked on cars, trucks, race cars, motorcycles, boats, aircraft engines and plenty of mechanical stuff in my life. I know I'll probably get slammed by some for this post saying that I/O's are great and aren't that much trouble. I/O's can also be a super PIA to work on since they are generally STUFFED into the tightest area posible to allow more deck space. Hard steering manuvers can put tremdous strain on the universal, commonly known as the knuckle, that allows the unit to operate in the tilted position and that can result in pre-mature failure. Then there are the problems with using the lower unit in a raised postion in shallow water. If your a fairly good mechanic, you can do this yourself with the help of a friend, but alignment of the outdrive is critical to the life of the entire unit. They're usually much more trouble to winterize, the 'Boot' that seals the stern needs to be replaced about every 5 years or so which requires removal of the outdrive. The I/O boats are usually more fuel effcient as use a marine V8 engine for power connected to an outdrive. It sounds like your looking at outboards vs I/O boats. These are just the thoughts of a guy who admits to knowing little or nothing about the mechanical workings of an engine.Ĭadjaw - Just so your straight on the terminolgy, there are outboards, Inboard/outboards where the engine is in the hull and a very large hole is in the stern to connect the outdrive to the engine, and then there are straight inboards where the engine and transmission are located inside the hull and there is a shaft going thru a relatively small hole to connect the shaft and prop. The engine was assessed at $18,000!! I don't look forward to having to repower at those prices but hopefully that's a looooong way off! When I insured my boat they assessed the boat, trailer and engine separately. What shocked me about the outboard was the price.

I have a lot more room on the deck and I love that.

One BIG advantage to an outboard is that it doesn't take up any room on the deck of the boat. Since it's as new as it is it is hardly a comparison though. It's easier to flush and easier to do simple preventive maintanence on. I bought a brand new 2006 outboard powered boat and I haven't had any problems with the engine (225 Merc). The outdrive had problems too but they weren't severe. The bolt that holds the starter in place broke off and I found out from the mechanic (a trusted friend) that he had to hoist the engine out of the boat to even reach the bolt to replace it! I bought a used inboard and had problems from day one. Having said this I've had both an inboard and an outboard powered boat. I'll admit that I don't know the first thing about engines besides being able to change the oil and put gas in the tank.

Inboard vs outboard