If there is one thing that determines the performance of your boat, it's the engine. Your boat will only be as good, fast and durable as its engine, meaning that you should pay attention to basic things like maintenance. Some engines are designed to stand up to tough conditions when you are navigating water bodies. On the contrary, others may be more susceptible to some types of damage. The following discussion on outboard and inboard motors will give you good knowledge on the two types of boat engines so that you can make the right choice:

A Glance at Outboards

An outboard motor is basically a propulsion system comprising the engine, jet drive and gearbox affixed outside the transom of the boat. The design allows you to keep the engine out of the water whenever it is not in use, preventing any possible damage. The position of the unit is appealing because it is easy to access and store at the docks in the biting cold of the winter. Outboard motors will not stay submerged and idle in the water where animals and other inhabitants can knock against the propellers or attach themselves to various components of the propulsion unit.

Powering Needs of the Outboard Motor

Essentially, an outboard uses up very little power because they are easy to manoeuvre. The directional thrust propelling the boat forward improves manoeuvrability and makes its integral skeg rather excellent.

A Glance at Inboards

An inboard motor uses a separate rudder to steer the vessel through the water. The engine is fitted within the boat's hull (body), making it quite difficult to access compared to an outboard motor. Additionally, you don't really have much choice when the winter sets in. The engine enclosed in the hull will have to stay with the rest of the boat, making proper storage a big challenge.

Powering Needs of an Inboard Motor

An inboard motor uses more power compared to an outboard motor. You need to apply the thrust if you are looking to steer the boat well. Moreover, docking is also difficult because you cannot tell the dangers that the immersed engine will be exposed to.

Final Thought

An outboard motor comes with many advantages compared to an inboard one. Lesser powering demands imply that you save much on fuel. Since they are easy to mount, you can use your vessel for a host of things like racing and fishing.