Outboard or inboard

[Dyflin]

I am looking to buy a Hunter Horizon 26, circa 1987, but they seem to be fairly evenly divided between diesel inboard and outboard engines.

Now the problem I have is whether to buy an inboard version or go for the cheaper outboard alternative and buy a new diesel engine and get it installed by a mechanic? Is a 15 year old inboard likely to last me another 7/8 years or will I probably have to replace in in a couple of years? Also, with retro fitting the inboard engine, can this be easily done on the Hunter Horizon 26, is there enough space etc. etc.

Many thanks for any and all advice received!

 

[chippie]

It ssems that your preference is really for a diesel,so why not opt for a boat with a good one already in it. While this will be more expensive it will probably be cheaper than buying a diesel and having it installed later (if this is possible.) If the existing inboard has been well maintained you should get several more years out of it.
I would reccommend keeping aside about 10-15% of the purchase price of the boat for the inevitable things you will want to do to bring the boat up to scratch.
Good luck

 

[yoda]

Take a good hard look at the full cost of installing an inboard. Even if you discount the cost of the engine itself (assuming you have to replace it if it is already fitted). there will be a significant amount of work to do and asociated cost involved. It sounds like you don't want an outboard version so I won't give my views on inboard V outboard unless you want them? .............

Yoda

 

[Dyflin]

Well I want to use the boat for long weekends of cruising. So therefore I thought an inboard would be a better choice but please, tell me your views on the o/b v i/b???

 

[jmundayuk]

An outboard is no trouble. I have had a 27 for 10n years and 20K miles. Outboards are easy to service - You take it out, raise it for a flat bottom and speed, Faster than a diesel and a lot cheaper. My Honda uses 1.5 liters per hour at 3/4 throttle. hand start so no need for full battery. disadvantages are petrol - biit of a falacy as most boats have even more dangerous Calor on board and charging if you sail a lot. but unimportaS ENGINE HAND STARTS I have solar panel and charge only at begining of season

 

[oldharry]

Pros and cons

INBOARD DIESELS

Pros: Fuel economy, handling under power, protected from elements, protected from sea, protected from theft/damage, accessibilty for emergency repairs at sea(? not always!), heavy duty alternator keeps batteries charged, cheap fuel.

Cons: Heavy, expensive to install, expensive if professional attention needed, expensive to repair, difficult to replace, takes up space below, vibration (sometimes), propellor inaccessible if fouled, holes in hull for coolant, inaccessible in event of fire (install auto extinguisher system), requires large starting battery, heavy.


OUTBOARDS:

Pros: Cheap to buy and install, easy to maintain, easy propellor access if fouled, easy hand starting if batteries are flat, can be removed for storeage/servicing, can be taken to workshop for repairs (reduces repair bills), fuel easily obtained, Most have charging output, engine can be used as side thruster, light weight against comparable diesel, no holes in hull.

Cons: Vulnerable to weather, sea, damage and theft, higher fuel consumption per hp, may be unuseable in a seaway if prop lifted clear by the 'big ones', less low speed manoeverability (prop does not interact with rudder like an inboard installation), very poor reversing capabilities usually (can rarely be used as 'emergency brake'), generally less durable than diesels, high explosion/fire risk if fuel spills charging coil ouput usually too low to run lighting and electronics for long.



No doubt others can add to these lists....?