While most bowriders are used for family fun the sterndrive also known as IO InboardOutboard is usually the preferred way to go.

Bowrider outboard vs inboard. Theyre relatively fast and get great mileage. The main difference between the three is the location of the engine. Sterndrive Bowriders vs inboard wakeboard boats.

Ad Get Info From Multiple Sources. Before we get into the specifics of each factor its important to be familiar with the three types of boat engines inboard outboard and sterndrive also known as inboardoutboard. This is because you can mount the outboard on a hydraulic jack plate and get an additional several inches of height that allow the motor to propel the boat even in shallow water.

A sterndrive usually provides for a more quiet ride more power and a sundeck over the engine bay. However the sterndrive will consume more fuel than the outboard. We had an inboard bowrider for 5 years with the 30 Mercruiser.

But buying the inboard motor will cost you more upfront and can require more expensive insurance coverage. You can squeeze roughly 1500 hours out of an inboard before necessary maintenance. Outboards on the other hand last about 750 hours on average.

A simple straight forward engine which is reliable and ok to maintain. Ad Find China Manufacturers Of Outboard Motors. An inboard engine is basically an engine that is inside the boat.

And maintenance requirements based on hours of use often favor the inboards. Many diesel inboard powered cruising boats can boast over 300 mile cruising range which similar boats with outboards will likely get half that range. Theyre also reliable the first 8-10 years--until the bellows and other rubber parts in the water need replaced.