Other people would rather be completely immersed in their surroundings and prefer complete silence. If you have your heart set on a certain type of boat, it’s worth considering how much noise and vibration might bother you-but don’t let that stop you from getting what will make your boating experience more enjoyable.įor example, many people prefer a deep rumble when they want to get going. See also What is a Cathedral Hull on a Boat? If I were writing about how to choose an engine, I might dive into specific horsepower ratings and fuel efficiency and how those matter more than anything else-but what I really want to talk about is sound. There’s a reason so many boaters choose to take their craft out for a spin on a lake or downriver.
In that case, every pound of engine weight reduces your cruising range and top speed by roughly 1 mph. This can be especially true if your boat has only one or two seats instead of four or five. If having lots of horsepower-for acceleration and towing capacity-is important, then an inboard engine is better than an outboard because it delivers more short-term power from a smaller package. Getting a flatwater powerboat is all about having fun, not just going fast.
The location of your engine is not always straightforward, so finding places to mount it may cost more money as well. The other consideration is where your engine will go. Additionally, since most propane tanks are buried deep inside marine engines, it means more hours of labor and replacement costs if your tank or hose ever breaks.Īn added cost comes with any modifications that need to be made, such as adding battery boxes and such. The average price tag is $30,000 to $40,000, including parts and labor. In most cases, it requires extensive work to accommodate different water pumps and components. Many people think that changing from an inboard to an outboard engine is as simple as swapping out one for another, but it’s actually not. You may even find a solution from a third-party company if your boat is no longer made.
If you’re unsure whether or not it’s worth it, consult your dealer or manufacturer. See also Wet vs Dry Boat Storage - Pros and Cons Of Both It will also allow for extra storage in the engine area, which can be beneficial on boats with limited space in that area. Removing the inboard motor will change the weight distribution of the boat and may require some reconfiguration of deck hardware. Is it Worth it to Change an Inboard Boat to an Outboard? Make sure that all wires are properly connected and double-check that there are no fuel leaks or other issues with your installation before taking it out into open water. The most important thing when doing any conversion of your motor system is safety. Also, make sure that any equipment (such as your fuel tank) is located below the deck so it doesn’t cause any problems once everything is hooked up correctly. A strong hull can withstand a larger motor than a weak one. You will need to make sure that your boat is strong enough for the motor and properly weighted as well. The process can be costly, but if you are willing to spend the money, it can be done. The answer depends on the make and model of your boat, but for the most part, the simple answer is yes. Is Inboard to Outboard Conversion Possible? Because inboards are typically smaller than outboards, they’re better for small boats with low storage capacities. Outboards, on the other hand, have larger motors that stick out of their hulls, making them more expensive but offering greater space for storage. Inboard motors have smaller motors that are able to fit entirely inside of a boat and can be easily repaired or replaced. Inboard/outboard refers to whether a boat’s engine is mounted inside or outside of its hull. Difference Between an Inboard Motor and an Outbound Motor This guide will go over both methods in detail so that you can make the best decision on how to change your boat from inboard to outboard. This can be done in either two steps or one step, depending on the method you prefer to use and how much work you want to put into it. As you might have guessed, yes, you can change an inboard boat for an outboard one.