Inboard or Outboard?

[Joe]

This may be a 50 year old question but here goes:All things being equal: What is usually the better buy and why?An atomic 4 inboard motor or a 9.9 hp outboard?Boat length is 27 Feet.I feel convenience and speed would lend itself to the inboard, but I'm still fairly new to sailing.Also, this atomic 4 I'm looking at was rebuilt in 1992. What is an average life on these things?What is the difference in annual maintenance costs and personal attention?Thanks.Joe

 

[Tom Monroe]

a couple of observations

A few observations, without really giving you an answer ...1. Assuming you're sailing on Lake Erie, an inboard might be a better choice than an outboard in bad conditions if you HAVE to motor. In those conditions though, I'd rather sail.2. 9.9 is plenty of power in normal conditions.3. Generally, the C27 transom mount OB boats are a bit faster in a race than the IB's. 4. Atomic 4's are gas ... need to really pay attention to maintenance schedule.5. IB's better when docking and backing down than transom OB's, at least my experience. Some difference of opinion there.That's not an answer, but it might help getting there.Tom MonroeCarlyle Lake