Whenever a long, freezing Michigan winter comes to an end, you might have the same thought: "I can't wait to get out on those beautiful lakes!" After all, they don't call it the Great Lakes State for nothing!
However, before you start cruising Erie, Huron, Michigan, Superior, or one of the state's 11,000 smaller lakes, you might have an important question to settle: Should you purchase an inboard motor or an outboard motor?
Let's take a look at these two options and see what they might offer you and your beloved boat.
Inboard Motors
An inboard motor is a motor that, as you may have guessed, goes inside a boat. More specifically, it fits into a box in the middle of the hull, which is the body of a watercraft.
Inboard motors can be ideal for yachts and other large boats. Some really large vessels even have their own engine rooms for inboard motors.
This type of motor powers a drive shaft that stretches across the bottom of the hull. The drive shaft, in turn, spins the propeller, which of course makes the boat go.
An inboard motor also requires a separate steering mechanism like a rudder. (Some boats with inboard motors have more than one rudder.) And, with such a motor, you could use a steering wheel to turn your vessel.
Outboard Motors
For their part, outboard motors can be perfect for powering smaller boats on fun excursions.
An outboard motor is attached to the hull's exterior. It typically goes on the stern, the rear of the boat, and it has its own propeller. Plus, many outboard motors have a tiller that lets people steer.
At one time, outboard motors had a reputation for being loud – much louder than their inboard counterparts. However, electric outboard motors are available these days, and they're practically silent when they're running. They're environmentally friendly, too, emitting no pollution.
Which Motor Is Right for You?
Let's take a closer look now at what differentiates inboard motors from outboard motors. Hopefully, this list will help you figure out which option to choose.
Space
To start with, an outboard motor will make your stern less roomy. If you like jumping off the stern to swim or enjoy lounging there in the sun, an outboard motor will interfere to some degree.
An inboard motor will also give you more space for wakeboarding and waterskiing. Indeed, outboard motors can be dangerous for wakeboarders and water skiers because, if they get too close to the propeller, they could injure themselves.
Aesthetics
Do you want your boat to be as visually appealing as possible? Well, to really impress your guests and your social media followers, an inboard motor is probably in order. After all, without a motor attached to the exterior, your watercraft will seem a little more streamlined and elegant.
On the other hand, if you own a boat purely for the enjoyment of spending time on the lakes, a visible motor won't matter one bit.
Simplicity
Are you a beginner or an intermediate boater? If so, realize that outboard motors are easier to use, especially when you're moving in and out of tight spots – when you're docking, for instance. Yes, learning how to steer with a tiller can be a quick and painless process.
On top of that, maybe you're planning to buy a more powerful motor for your boat sometime. Well, it's much less complicated to switch one outboard motor for another than it is to swap inboard motors.
Furthermore, given the accessibility of outboard motors, it's simpler to do repairs and maintenance work on them. Not to mention, they're relatively easy to install.
Speed and Performance
An inboard motor is more powerful than the outboard kind, and it could make your boat go faster. Likewise, with an inboard motor, you'll have a greater range of speeds from which to choose.
Inboard motors can be more energy efficient as well. That's because they're often customized. And custom-made motors usually don't waste fuel or energy when they're running.
However, if you spend most of your boating time in shallow waters, an outboard motor should provide you with smoother trips.
Weight
An inboard motor weighs more than an outboard motor.
If the lake water is choppy, that extra weight can make boating less rough and more pleasant. Conversely, it's easier to transport a lighter boat on a trailer or other vehicle.
Cost
Here's one final factor to think about: An inboard motor costs more than an outboard motor. And an inboard motor is more expensive to insure as well.
At the same time, when inboard motors are well-protected during the winters, they often last longer than outboard motors. Thus, with fewer units to replace over the years, you might eventually save money with the inboard variety.
In the end, there's no one correct answer when it comes to the outboard vs inboard boat motors debate. Instead, it all comes down to personal needs and preferences. The right choice is whichever choice better fits your boat, your budget, and your style.
If you're not sure which motor to pick, maybe you could talk to someone you know with an inboard motor and someone you know with an outboard motor. Ask if you can go out on some test rides. Then, once you've chosen your motor, you can finally savor those cool lake breezes in those warm weather months!