Whether Outboard engines are better on a boat, or Inboard diesel Engines. This depends on how you use the boat.
Both types of engines have their good and bad points.
Inboard Diesel Engines best for :
– Bigger boats over 30 feet long at least, because diesel engines can produce more power to push heavier boats.
-Long journeys in rough waters. Diesel engines are rugged and can be used roughly for longer periods of time.
-Diesel is cheaper than Petrol.
-Less flammable fuel, therefore safer in a way.
Not Great Points about Diesel engines :
– They are heavier
-They are expensive
-They cannot be taken out easily in case of problems.
-The propellers, shaft is always touching the salt water which causes corrosion & constant cleaning is needed.
-Repairs and access is difficult and expensive compared to outboards.
-Troubled engine can reduce the value of the boat. Very difficult hence expensive to replace.
Outboard Petrol Engines are best for :
-Smaller boats under 30 footers.
-They are light, strong and durable.
-They are not expensive compared to diesel engines.
-They can be tilted up and kept from touching the water, which keeps the condition good.
-Easier to fix, access is easy.
-Easy to replace and broken engine will not reduce the value of the boat.
-Modern outboards are very reliable and strong.
-Good for pushing the boat fast and quick.
Not Great Points about Outboard Petrol Engines :
-Not ideal for heavier and bigger boats.
-Not recommended for long offshore journeys
-Petrol is flammable, so need to be more careful. (always open hatches and let the fumes go before starting your boat)
So basically Outboards are great for speed boats and boats around 30 feet in length. Technically Outboard engines can also do long journeys and offshore journeys. We see patrol boats with multiple outboard engines every now and then. However generally people use diesel engines for long trips as diesel is cheaper and the engines are heavy duty.
Generally people don’t usually do offshore boat trips with smaller boats. So outboards are recommended for almost all small craft.