Inboard v Outboard

[Pete]

I'm considering purchasing a 78 Catalina 27. She currently has her desiel removed and I am trying to determine which way to go; in or out. The way I see it is that while the outboard has the advantage of ease of maintenance/repair, the inboard is going to keep its prop in the water in heavy seas and is the safer option. Are there any outboard owners that disagree?Thanks

 

[John]

Diesel

I’ve had both inboard and outboard, but once you have had a good diesel inboard you’ll never go back. They hardly use any fuel, are very safe to operate. You’ll never hear about a diesel tank exploding or catching on fire. The trade off is less room inside with the inboard, but you don't have all that weight on the transom either. There are a few companies out there that have been working with diesel outboards. That could be an option. Just my opinion, JOHN.

 

[Roger]

C27 List

Pete,There are lots of C27 list members who have outboards, and love them, including listers who have switched from inboard to outboard. Plusses are cost, ease of maintenance, and sailing speed if or when the outboard is tilted. Minuses are balance, power in a rough seaway, prsence of gasoline, and the two stroke. heavier four stroke/ bracket vs cutout dillema.You should join the C27 list on sailnet and check extensive archives. Email c27-list@sailnet.netMe, I have a 5411 diesel, three blade prop, and am very happy with it sailing the kinda rough Nantucket Sound. But there are a lot of very happy and vocal C27 outboard proponents!RogerC27 #5012 &MabelCape Cod

 

[Pete]

Bracket v cutout?

Roger,Splain the bracket - cutout dilemma, please sir. Or may I assume that there are some problems with placing a 15hp extended shaft on the transom. Also, how does the outboard effect balance. And one more, why the presence of gasoline (I assume gas tank). Why not run the fuel line from the inboard's source?Thanks a bunch.Pete

 

[Frank Ladd]

I'd choose the outboard

Then again I sail if it is windy. And the Catalina's handle a blow pretty well when properly reefed. The outboard cost less is simpler to have repaired and does not drag the prop in the water all the time.Then inboard lasts longer. Uses less fuel. Works better in big waves and is really hard to steal.