Outboard Motors vs Inboard Motors for Saltwater Boats
15 Aug 2019 Marine Services
When choosing a boat to use in coastal waters, one of the biggest questions that needs to be answered before a purchase can be made is whether it is better to go with outboard motors or inboard motors for saltwater boats. At Bridgeview Marine, they supply all kinds of boats and motors for sale, and they can help you to come to a decision on what kind of boating setup is best for you.
The Benefits of Outboard vs Inboard Motors
There are a variety of reasons to go with both outboard and inboard motors, and neither type of motor is inherently better than the other. The motor that you should use will depend on the type and purpose of the boat being used and personal priorities.
Outboard Motors: The Good and the Bad
Outboard motors are a great default choice for most boats. They are easy to access, mount, and remove, making maintenance and cleaning extremely simple. Upgrading the engine to gain some horsepower is extremely easy, meaning that your boat will always be customizable. Outboards are reasonably inexpensive, and you can frequently find them second-hand. Outboard motors can also easily be raised and lowered which makes them more capable of traversing shallow waters.
Because outboard motors are detachable, they tend to be a bit bulky and can often get in the way. They also are not always as simple to drive as inboard motors and they tend to create more wake.
The Pros and Cons of Inboard Motors
Inboard motors are integrated into the boat’s infrastructure and the motor itself is typically positioned below deck or under a box, meaning that they are less intrusive, quieter, more fuel efficient, and capable of putting out more horsepower and torque than outboard motors. These benefits mean that boats with inboard motors are better for entertaining and sport.
Since inboard motors are built into the structure of the boat, which means that they are more difficult to work on and clean when necessary. The initial price tag and ongoing maintenance for an inboard motor is typically much higher than it is for outboards and, if something breaks, the boat will need to be docked until it is fixed, whereas an outboard motor can simply be replaced.
How Does Saltwater Affect the Different Types of Motors?
When it comes to choosing a motor type for saltwater, the difficulties that you will encounter are similar for the two motors, but these issues are typically easier to deal with on outboard motors. Saltwater is highly corrosive, meaning that the motor will need to be flushed after each use with freshwater. This is typically easier to do for outboard motors. Inboard motors will typically last longer without needing repairs, but the repairs are more difficult to conduct and saltwater will accelerate the need for repairs.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of outboard motors vs inboard motors for saltwater boats, or if you would like to learn about any of their marine services, please contact Bridgeview Marine at the location nearest you or by filling out a contact form on their website.
