Outboard – 2-Stroke

Mounted on transom of boat

Advantages

• Allows for roomier interior of boat
• Lightweight, simpler technology   & good performance
• Prop lifts to avoid bottom terrain in shallow waters
• Costs less to purchase and not difficult to winterize or service

Disadvantages

• Impending bans on waterways
• Need to mix oil and gas
• Noisy and smoky

Outboard – 4-Stroke

Mounted on transom of boat

Advantages

• Fuel economy
• Smoother and softer sound of operation
• No smoke or oil slicks
• No mixing of oil and gas

Disadvantages

• Costs more to purchase and service.
• Need to service more often
• Weighs more

Outboard – Direct Injection Motors

Advantages

• Equal to or surpasses 4-Stroke technology
• Higher levels of performance
• Lighter weight
• Fuel efficient

Disadvantages

• Technology is still developing

Inboard

Used mainly in ski boats and larger boats

Advantages

• Less maintenance due to not having a stern drive

Disadvantages

• You MUST winterize
• Decreased interior space in boat
• No way to lift prop when entering shallow waters

Inboard/Outboard

Motor has a stern drive

Advantages

• Quieter and more economical to operate
• Good power and performance
• Ability to raise prop in shallow waters

Disadvantages

• You MUST winterize