Inboards versus outboards

[Clive]

I'm looking at Catalina 27s in this areamost mid 70s boats have propane stovesand outboard engines.I'd be interested to know what owners think of the outboard option- simplicity plus the idea of keeping fuel out of the people compartment, and having no leaking propshaft is appealing...Thanks for your views....

 

[Bob Teeter]

Inboard vs Outboard

I had a C 25 prior to our C 42. If I had my choice I would take the inboard, but only if it was not gas. The earlier 27s, as I recall, has a gas inboard. The gas fumes, ect. would sour me on them. The advantage of an inboard is that the prop will not be coming out of the water in rough water situations. I know that is a problem with the outboard on the back of a 25 and also have been on several 27's that have the same problem. It is easier to change engines with the outboard and you can usually buy the boat for less $$.Good luck.Bob Teeter

 

[Bob Teeter]

Inboard vs Outboard

Sorry, I ment to say I would prefer an inboard only if it was not gas.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

That pretty much sums it up, Bob

Pros:* The boat is cheaper* The engine is cheaper to repair/replace* It's easy to take in for repair* The boat is lighter* Fewer holes in the boat* More storage (where engine would have been)Cons:* Prop can come out of water in heavy seas* VERY difficult to back up the boat (impossible with my outboard!)* Uses gas instead of safer diesel* Not as much power or maneuverabilityI'm sure there are more on both sides. What it boils down to is what kind of conditions you'll be out in & what you're planning on doing with your boat. If you'll just be daysailing in nice weather & your marina is easy to get in & out of, hey, go for the outboard. If you need to maneuver in tight quarters or go out in choppy seas, wait for a diesel inboard. That would be my choice but I know lots of folks with Atomic 4s & they're very happy with them. Good luck!LaDonna

 

[Ron]

Go for the INBOARD

I have sailed a Cat 25 for the past 4 seasons. With a 9.9 Honda 4 stroke. Great engine, quiet, and good on fuel. It is nice to be able to turn the engine in and out of the slip. When racing it is also great to get the whole thing out of the water. I don't know about others but in rough seas the engine bounced around alot on the bracket. It was also in the water alot. My sailing buddy has a Cat 27 with a three cylinder diesel. Great boat! He loves the control of an inboard. Now that I have a Cat 30 with an inboard universal diesel, I love it. It is more expensive to work on. But at least now I can back up! I also like having nothing on the transom, but the name!!!It depends on what you want it for, but as for me inboards are the way to go!Good luck...

 

[Steve Magennis]

Another difference (and choice to make)

LaDonna listed most of the pros and cons of inboard vs outboard engines on C-27s. The one she missed is speed under sail.If you race, the outboard will be faster than the inboard, even with whatever handicap you are given by PHRF. I wouldn't give up my inboard on my C-30. However, I race on a S2 7.9 on Lake Michigan. Under both PHRF and one design rules, the outboard 7.9s always beat the inboard 7.9s, despite the handicap advantage given to the inboards.However, unless speed is your primary interest, get the inboard.Steve