small sailboat inboard engines

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Best marine diesel engines: a buyer’s guide

• Sam Fortescue
• September 24, 2021

Modern marine diesel engines may look very similar to the large, noisy, oily chunks of iron of yesteryear, but a lot has changed under the bonnet, says Sam Fortescue

An inboard engine is a critical part of any boat, whether you're a purist who only motors when safety demands, or if you'd rather get into harbour in time for last orders. The chances are you also rely on the engine for battery charging. Credit: WorldFoto/Alamy Stock Photo

Best marine diesel engines: the new tech making inboard engines cleaner, more efficient, lighter and more reliable

Once referred to as the ‘auxiliary’ engine , your boat’s inboard diesel is now so much more than just a helping hand.

Not only is it central to your boat’s ability to manoeuvre safely into tight marina berths, it also allows you to keep up average speeds and make the tidal gate before it closes, charges the batteries that run the ever-expanding suite of entertainment and navigational tools aboard, and keeps the beers cold and showers warm.

Despite visual similarities to the noisy models of yesteryear, modern marine diesel engines are cleaner and more efficient, lighter and more reliable. And they are increasingly interactive.

If you’re considering re-powering your boat, here are some of the key features to look out for.

Marine Diesel Engines: Emissions

Tighter regulation in Europe has been forcing engine manufacturers to reduce the harmful emissions generated by their equipment.

In the marine sector, that means complying with the 2013 Recreational Craft Directive, known as RCD 2, and often with the EPA Tier 3 requirements in the USA.

Though most manufacturers anticipate further tightening in the future, there is nothing yet on the cards for marine diesel engines in the leisure sailing sector.

The focus on reducing emissions has resulted in a better understanding of the combustion process inside the cylinder.

A key pollutant, nitrous oxide, is formed at higher combustion temperatures, so one advance has been to reduce those temperatures.

A mechanical system, like this Beta Marine engine, offers ease of maintenance. You don’t need a laptop to reset the electronics

Increasing the swept volume of the cylinder theoretically creates more power, because there is room to burn more fuel each cycle, but if you keep fuel consumption the same, the diesel generates less heat in combustion.

Another area of development has been around the fuel injection system.

A lot has been written about the desirability and reliability of so-called common rail versus mechanical injection for marine diesels.

As Andrew Growcoot, CEO of Beta Marine puts it: ‘The benefits of a mechanical system [are] simplicity and ease of maintenance. One doesn’t need a laptop to reset the electronics ; a mechanical system is safe and will not power down at the wrong time.’

Beta Marine is a British marine diesel engine supplier that uses a Kubota block, and has no intention of introducing the technology any time soon on sub-100hp engines.

The same is true of France’s Nanni and Spain’s Solé, who both supply good, reliable diesel marine engines to the sailing market.

Hedley Beavis of Solé distributor Engines Plus says research to find a common rail injection system has been delayed by COVID-19.

‘It is not an easy task finding a reliable common rail engine but also at a reasonable price for the marine market,’ he adds.

But while common rail injection makes your engine reliant on an electronic control unit for precise high-pressure fuel injection and makes it more susceptible to poor quality fuel, this widely used technology can also offer significant benefits in terms of power and fuel consumption.

Continues below…

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Plus, it’s quieter and produces less vibration.

That’s because the diesel is injected as a huge number of tiny droplets, greatly increasing the surface area for better combustion.

Common rail injection is usually found on more powerful engines – Volvo Penta uses the system in its D3 engine and above, which starts at 110hp.

But Yanmar took a bold step in 2018 when it launched a new 40hp unit with electronic fuel injection. The 3JH40 is still the smallest marine diesel engine with this technology.

‘Through common rail technology, the 3JH40 offers minimal fuel consumption and exceptionally low noise and emission levels, exceeding EPA Tier 3 and EU RCD Tier 2 emission regulations for virtually smoke- and odour-free operation,’ says marketing manager Sander Gesink.

‘People don’t want to have the smell of diesel onboard making them seasick.’

The demand for more plentiful electrical power on board boats has led engine manufacturers to increase the output of their alternator systems.

Where a typical alternator on a 30hp engine might have been around 50A two decades ago, they are now often in excess of 100A.

So, for example, even Volvo Penta’s entry-level D1-13 engine packs a meaty 115A alternator with its own built-in charging regulator, for optimal battery charging.

The 50hp D2-50 offers the same alternator, as well as the option of expanding output with a pulley take-off for a second alternator.

Even Volvo Penta’s entry-level D1-13 engine packs a meaty 115-amp alternator with a built-in charging regulator

Beta Marine’s 43hp engine comes with a 70A alternator as standard, but can accommodate upgrades to 120A or 175A alternators, as well as a second 175A alternator for really hefty charging.

It is worth noting, however, that many of these alternators remain fairly basic bits of kit with an inflexible charging regime.

That’s one reason that Yanmar has worked with Mastervolt on its 150hp-plus 4LV engines to develop a secondary charging option in addition to the on-board 130A unit.

Using the Alpha III charge regulator, that alternator will put exactly the right charge into the battery bank on a three-step regime that works regardless of the RPM by varying the field current going into the alternator.

Units on smaller, older marine diesel engines can easily be retrofitted with a regulator, such as Sterling Power’s Pro Reg.

Interactive marine diesel engines

It used to be that marine diesel engines would buzz along in the background unless they overheated, in which case you were treated to an ear-splitting alarm from the control panel.

They still do sport their own dedicated warning lights which ping on if oil pressure drops or the temperature rises above a safe 80-90ºC.

But with the growth of instrumentation on board, and the development of fast, bi-directional networks, engine manufacturers have had to up their game.

That means enabling the engine to put data into your NMEA2000 instrument network about its speed, temperature and oil pressure, as well as many other potential parameters on more complex systems.

‘Captains just want to see their engine performance and details on their MFDs,’ says Yanmar’s Gesink.

Steyr’s unique monoblock marine diesel engine starts at 75hp. The MO 4-CYL uses a two-stage unit injection system with the benefits of high-pressure fuel without the requirement for electronic control

As a common rail injection engine, Yanmar’s 3JH40 already has the electronics necessary to connect directly to the boat’s NMEA2000 instrument network, as well as the VC10 electronic throttles and other controls via a J1939 CAN bus.

These include the YD42 smart panel display, which will toggle through engine data such as load percentage and engine hours, as well as standard navigational data like depth and wind speed.

‘Direct connectivity to NMEA and J1939 CAN-bus networks has been purpose engineered into the 4LV range, allowing future-proofed integration to any multifunction bridge display. Same counts for the 3JH40 and the rest of our common rail engine range,’ adds Gesink.

While 110hp-plus Volvo Penta marine diesel engines – the D3 upwards – have been built since 2006 with a proprietary Electronic Vessel Control system, its smaller D1 and D2 marine diesel engines were given a hybrid solution.

This Mechanical Diesel Interface (MDI) is a black box fitted to the side of the exhaust manifold, where heat and vibration have made it somewhat temperamental.

Without the MDI, the engine simply won’t run, although it is quite straightforward to bypass.

Volvo sells an Easy Connect adapter that plugs into the J1939 socket on the MDI and feeds its data out onto a NMEA 2000 instrument network, allowing it to be visualised on the plotter or other displays.

Volvo’s Easy Connect app allows you to monitor engine-specific data over Bluetooth on smart devices

Other manufacturers also offer products that can do this.

Volvo offers dedicated instruments to show fuel level, temperature and voltage if you want it.

It also produces its own glass bridge touchscreen displays from 7in to 24in, although this will mainly appeal to the powerboat market.

More interesting for sailors is Volvo’s Easy Connect app available for smart devices, which allows you to monitor engine-specific data over Bluetooth thanks to the Easy Connect adapter.

Other engine manufacturers have adopted a more agricultural approach.

Beta Marine, for instance, has worked with market-leading sensor firm Actisense to build a module that plugs into the wiring loom that runs between the engine and the control panel, and feeds data into the NMEA 2000 network.

It only works with one of Beta’s more expensive C and CW Deluxe control panels, and requires a bit of splicing in of wires.

Solé also offers an NMEA 2000 converter to get analogue data from the engine into your digital instrument network.

You still need a dedicated control panel, but the SDC2000 kit even allows the engine’s alarms to be transferred to your MFD.

It is compatible with all Solé diesel engines since 2008.

France’s Nanni uses a similar NMEA adapter, but also offers a dedicated interactive display to enhance its control panel – available for all engines above 21hp.

There is a small 4in model, and larger 7in and 9in display built around Raymarine technology, with charting, radar and CHIRP sonar support.

The choice is yours

Every owner will make up their own mind on common rail injection.

It looks like the way of the future, judging by the automotive sector, but critics point out that poor quality fuel and the need for maintenance in out-of-the-way places weigh in favour of mechanical fuel systems.

It depends whether you’ve got far-flung cruising in mind, or whether you plan to stick to home waters.

Weigh up your priorities. The Yanmar’s fuel consumption is certainly better than the competition.

But the Beta offers one of the best torque curves, equating to more usable power at cruising revs.

Thinking about going electric? Click here

Either way, don’t be tempted to overpower the boat, as marine diesel engines are most efficient at around 80% of their revs.

If you want the engine to feed data onto the network, it’s best to know from the outset, so the engineer can hook the whole thing up.

That said, it’s hardly a complex job, although the necessary kit amounts to several hundred pounds in the aftermarket.

If you’re looking to re-power, the key criteria will always be the space available, and access to filters, impellers and freshwater systems for maintenance .

While there’s broad consensus about hydrogen being the fuel of the future, the path to fuel-cell propulsion is distinctly unclear.

In the meantime, alternative fuels may play an increasing part in the energy mix for combustion engines: methanol or ammonia can be stored as liquids and mixed with diesel in a combustion engine.

There are challenges to overcome, not least the nitrous oxides produced when ammonia burns, but there is research time going into just that.

Shipbuilder CMB is working with manufacturers of bigger engines to make the design tweaks to run on dual fuels; focused on the injection system.

A more immediate possibility is the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil ( HVO ) or gas-to-liquids (GLT).

HVO is essentially biodiesel and can be made from waste cooking oil, while GLT is made from natural gas and is said to burn more cleanly than diesel.

‘The advantage of mechanical injection systems is that the engine can take advantage of using low- emission alternative fuels, such as HVO and GLT, without alterations to the engine,’ adds Beta Marine CEO Andrew Growcoot.

Marine Diesel Engines: A buyer’s guide

Volvo penta d2-50.

Volvo Penta D2-50: Easy to get NMEA data from the engine

Volvo has an odd gap in its engine line-up between the 28hp D1 and the 50hp D2, which exist in both shaft and saildrive formats.

The D2 marine diesel engines run at 3,000rpm, which is pretty standard for this power rating.

In general, slower rotation makes for less noise and vibration. Both series use inline injection and feature the MDI electronic interface which has suffered from reliability problems in the past.

On the plus side, the interface makes it easy to get NMEA data out of the engine and onto your instrument network. It also opens up a good range of snazzy remote displays.

Volvo’s ergonomic electronic controls won’t work with the D2 engine, however. They are only compatible with the EVC marine diesel engines that run on common rail injection.

Volvo has excellent, if expensive, global support.

• Power: 51hp (37.5kW) crankshaft
• Cylinders: 4
• Displacement: 2,200cc
• Fuel consumption at max rpm: 11.5lt/hr
• Dry weight: 249kg
• D2-50: £9,360
• Dealers: www.volspec.co.uk ; www.goldenarrow.co.uk

Yanmar 3JH40

Yanmar 3JH40: An award-winning 40ho engine

With a power output rated at 40hp, this hugely successful, award-winning engine was launched in 2018.

Its key feature is the common rail injection system which Yanmar has introduced with claims that it reduces smoke and odour to nearly nil.

This is due to the more complete combustion of the diesel fuel when injected under high pressure.

It also operates at a relatively low 3,000rpm, which makes it quieter than faster-spinning engines, and reduces vibration.

Yanmar has developed a series of digital controls for its engines. The VC10 and VC20 electronic throttles make data such as engine loading available on the network.

There are also dedicated displays like the YD42, which has a full-colour screen. Otherwise, a £350 analogue-to-digital converter will get your engine data onto the NMEA 2000 network.

There’s a saildrive option, which costs some £2,500 more than the shaft alternative.

Yanmar engines are also very well supported with servicing.

• Power: 40hp (29.4kW)
• Cylinders: 3
• Displacement: 1,642cc
• Fuel consumption at max RPM: 8.8lt/hr
• Dry weight: 192kg
• www.barrus.co.uk

Beta 43: Excellent, mid-range torque for its rating

Beta Marine diesel engines are based on the solid Kubota block, and represent good value, no-frills performance.

Painted a distinctive red colour, they offer flexible installation thanks to a good range of options.

This makes them well suited to repowering in tight corners.

Though the design is constantly being improved, this is a traditional mechanical engine with the minimum of electronic gimmickry.

It offers excellent mid-range torque for its rating.

The standard control panels are steadfastly analogue, although a NMEA2000 converter is available to get limited engine data onto the network.

A new digital display panel is now available, with a standard loom input and a NMEA 2000 output.

Reliable and well supported with spares, and readily serviced, these are good engines that are sold worldwide.

• Power: 43hp
• Displacement: 1,999cc
• Fuel consumption at max RPM: 9.3lt/hr
• Dry weight: 238kg
• www.betamarine.co.uk

Nanni N4.43

Nanni N4.43: Low rpm makes for a quieter unit

Nanni, a French-Italian brand, is well represented in the UK by AR Peachment. These distinctive blue marine diesel engines have helped make Nanni the world’s third largest marine engine supplier.

The engines are fairly traditional, with indirect mechanical fuel injection, natural aspiration and water-cooled exhaust manifold. Relatively low RPM makes for a quieter unit.

The N4.43 is in fact a de-rated version of the larger 50hp unit.

Being a mechanical engine, the N4.43 relies on an NMEA adapter to get engine data onto the network.

Though controls remain analogue, the N4.43 is compatible with a series of Nanni digital displays which start at 4in.

Support at the leisure end is not as widespread as bigger brands, but as it’s based on a Kubota engine block, it should be easy to find a competent mechanic.

• Power: 43hp (29.4kW)
• Displacement: 2,197cc
• Fuel consumption at max RPM: 10.3lt/hr
• Dry weight: 228kg
• www.peachment.co.uk

Solé Mini-44

Solé Mini-44: Decent torque at mid range

Spain’s Solé produces a very wide range of diesel marine engines, and the Mini-44 is aimed at yachts in the 10-12m LOA range.

Sam Fortescue is a freelance marine journalist and former magazine editor who sails a Sadler 34, which has taken his family from the Caribbean to the Baltic

It looks cheaper than the competition, but Solé’s model is to quote a fixed price and not engage in the inevitable discounting of the other brands.

This is the smallest four-cylinder unit the company builds, giving quieter running but greater fuel consumption at top speed.

Though rated 42hp, it has a smaller capacity and has to work harder to achieve it.

For that reason it compares better against 38hp models.

A purely mechanical engine, it relies on cam-driven indirect fuel injection and produces decent if not outstanding torque at the mid range.

Available with an impressive range of gearboxes, including saildrive fittings, the Mini-44 is a very flexible engine with lots of options.

A very expensive converter (SDC2000 – £800) is available to transfer the engine’s analogue data into digital signals for your NMEA 2000 network.

But the control panel options, although very attractively styled, remain resolutely analogue.

Solé has decent global support, naturally focused on Europe and the Spanish-speaking world.

• Power: 42hp (30.9kW)
• Displacement: 1,758cc
• Fuel consumption at max RPM: 10.4lt/hr
• Dry weight: 175kg (w/o gearbox)
• www.enginesplus.co.uk

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Specifications

NOTE: 1 kW = 1.3596 mhp = 1.34102 bhp Fuel condition: density at 15°C = 0.842 g/cm³ Technical data is according to (ISO 8665) / (ISO 3046) Fuel temperature 40°C at the inlet of the fuel injection pump (ISO 8665) Length includes KM35A marine gear (Dimensions may vary with other gears/elbow)

More Information

Winner of the miami 2018 innovation award for the inboard engine category.

The 3-cylinder 3JH40, with an output of 40 mhp, will enable a whole new category of smaller leisure boat owners and commercial vessel operators to benefit for the first time from the efficiency and performance advantages associated with the most recent electronically-managed CR fuel-injection technology.

With an output of 40 MHP @ 3000 rpm (29.4 kW @ 3000 rpm), the 3JH40 is the smallest common rail inboard marine diesel in:

• Displacement, with only 3 cylinders measuring 1.642 L (100 cu in)
• Physical size, measuring 774 x 580 x 632mm
• Weight, measuring 192kg without gear

Through common rail technology, the 3JH40 offers minimal fuel consumption and exceptionally low noise and emission levels, exceeding EPA Tier 3 and EU RCD Tier 2 emission regulations for virtually smoke and odor-free operation.

The 4-stroke, water-cooled 3JH40 is an ideal solution for new builds and repowering applications, specifically monohull sailing yachts and catamarans up to 45ft, small motor boats or sloops, and light duty commercial craft.

*The next largest common rail inboard marine diesel engines are the YANMAR 4JHCR line: 45, 57, 80, 110 MHP.

Drawings Download Drawings

Performance Curves Download Specification Datasheet

Standard Engine Package

• Exhaust mixing elbow [L-type]
• Alternator 12V – 125A
• Flexible mounts
• Mechanical throttle sensor
• Fuel pre-filter with water separator
• Fresh water expansion tank
• Belt safety cover

Optional Accessories

• High-riser mixing elbow [instead of L-elbow]
• Secondary alternator 12V – 125A or 24V – 60A
• Extension harness [3m, 5m, 10m]
• Second station
• TFX Sidemount control head
• VC10 Vessel Control System
• NMEA2000 Engine monitoring system
• Semi 2-pole
• SOLAS including Certificate [factory fit only]
• Hot water kit with cocks
• Extension saildrive leg [75 mm]
• Propeller cone nut kit SD60
• On-board spare parts kit

Operation Manual

Product guide, specification datasheet, technical drawings - bobtail, technical drawings - gear, technical drawings - saildrive, compatible products, gears / drives, controls / panels.

Kanzaki Gears

B25 & C35 Panels

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Beta Marine Diesel Engines

Heat exchanger cooled marine propulsion engines.

Since 1987 Beta Marine has developed an enviable reputation for providing quiet and smooth running marine diesel engines to suit a wide range of applications. Built upon a marinized Kubota engine block, Beta Marine diesel engines are renowned for longevity, reliability and providing the lowest total costs of ownership. Replace your inefficient, high-maintenance diesel engine with a new, reliable, and quiet one and feel the difference in efficiency and performance. Buying from us will lessen maintenance time and money and give you peace of mind.

• 5 Year Self-Service Engine Warranty
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Beta 14 to 38 Sales Brochure

Beta 43 to 85T Sales Brochure

Small Engines (14 – 38 HP)

Beta 14 9.9 kW / 13.5 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Beta 14 atomic 4 replacement.

Beta 16 12.5 kW / 16 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Beta 16 atomic 4 replacement.

Beta 20 14.9 kW / 20 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Beta 20 atomic 4 replacement.

Beta 25 18.5 kW / 25 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Beta 25 atomic 4 replacement.

Beta 30 21.7 kW / 30 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Beta 35 24.7 kW / 35 hp @ 2,800 rpm

Beta 38 27.0 kW / 38 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Mid/large engines (43 – 83 hp).

Beta 43 32.6 kW / 43 hp @ 2,800 rpm

Beta 50 34.0 kW / 45.6 hp @ 2,800 rpm

Beta 62T 46.2 kW / 62 hp @ 2,800 rpm

Beta 70T 52.0 kW / 70 hp @ 2,800 rpm

Beta 85T 62.0 kW / 85 hp @ 2,800 rpm

Epa replacement program engines.

Beta 10 7.5 kW / 10 hp @ 3,000 rpm

Beta 45T 33.5 kW / 45 hp @ 3,000 rpm

Beta 60 36.5 kW / 56 hp @ 2,700 rpm

Beta 75 56.0 kW / 75 hp @ 2,600 rpm

Beta 90 67.1 kW / 90 hp @ 2,600 rpm

Beta 90T 67.1 kW / 90 hp @ 2,600 rpm

Beta 105T 73.1 kW / 98 hp @ 2,600 rpm

Beta 115T 85.7 kW / 115 hp @ 2,800 rpm

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Engine for small sailboats

Engine for small sailboats : how to choose it.

My projects are focussed on small sailboats, up to about 30 feet, boats on which the choice of the engine often has a heavy impact on the project from several points of view: costs, reliability, weights, effectivness of the propulsion system, safety at sea.

There are currently three main options to power a small (or not so mall, hirundo 750, Petrel 28) sailboat:

inboard diesel engine , both with shaft line transmission or saildrive one

outboard engine on transom bracket

electrical engine, both transom mounted as an outboard engine or fitted in bilge as a traditional diesel inboard one

until two decades ago this triple choice was simply not existent: small 2 strokes outboards were definitely unreliable (on J24 we used to go in and out of the harbour with sails mostly because we were SURE that our engine would have quitted working in the worst possible moment, providing us a plenty of adrenalinic moments…), electrical marine engines simply didn’t exist , so the only possible choice for a small cruising sailboat was a small inboard engine.

Nowadays things are definitely changed: small 4 strokes outboard engine are really sturdy and reliable , electric engine are becoming a reality year after year, and on the other side small diesel engines are stucked on models , technology , costs and weights not so different from 20 years ago, but nonetheless they are really workhorses;

Let’s now consider some of the choice parameters.

idea 19: a 5 HP outboard engine fitted  on transom in central position, a good choice for smallest sailboats

engine has a dramatic impact on total budget on a small homebuilt boat that can be built with a budget of 20-23k euros (hirundo 750, very much less for idea 21 or 19)  , let’s see how much dramatic:

10 hp 4 strokes outboard engine: it costs around 2700 € vat included , and can be purchased basically in each marina, additional costs to fit it on board are low: a plastic gasoline tank with pipes and plugs, a sturdy transom bracket, few bolts and nuts , and you have your powerplant ready to work ; if you want to go for a smaller 5 HP (perfect for Saltaspiaggia or idea 21), engine cost is about 1600 € ; there’s a wide market of second hand engines (pay attention, there are a lot of  “archeological” outboard engines on the market…)

inboard diesel engine : thing become serious for our wallet: a fresh new 10 HP diesel engine fitted with saildrive costs around 7500-8500 €, a shaft line version, just engine and transmission, is about 5600-6500 € , in this case you have to buy also complete shaftline, bracket, propeller, and fitting all the system on board properly requires a good amount of experience (or hiring a mechanic, other costs) , and you even have to buy and fit ancillary systems: fuel tank and filters, exhaust system, and a dedicated engine battery and related wirings ; upgrading from 10 to 20 HP (good choice for bigger boats like Petrel 28) engine cost raises of about 2000 €, both for saildrive models and for shaftline one;

electrical engines: small electric outboards , perfect to power idea 21, costs around 2000€, and other 600-800 € are required  for a spare battery pack, which IMHO a mandatory upgrade; for bigger boats, an electric engine that can be compared to a 10 hp endothermic one , in the 4kW class, can be purchased for around 3700 euros, with no batteries; if you add an AGM battery pack for at least 2 hours of endurance total cost raise to 5700-6700 euros , definitely more expensive than an outboard gasoline engine and not so far from the workhorse diesel inboard engine

use related costs: that is to say , mainly, fuel: given the fact that we’re talking about small engines, fuel rates goes in the order of few liters/hour (tipically 2-3 for 10 Hp diesel inboard and 1.5 for 5Hp outboard engine), so there are not big differences between diesel inboard and gasoline outboard ; of course as long as you have an electric plug in your marina, recharging an electric engine battery pack is free

• servicing: small outboard engines can be taken away form the boat quite easily, so you can service them by yourself in your house’s garden or take them to a mechanic, same thing for electric engine, both outboard and inboard, since they’re quite light ; on the other side, removing a diesel inboard engine is a quite complicated task, and you’ll be forced to service it on board, they’re normally removed only for major overhauling or to be replaced

Reliability

sailboats are made to set on sails and turn off the engine, any sailor know the magic of this moment , but there are several situations in which you have to turn on the engine, even for a good amount of time, and sometimes you have even to push hard your engine: strong tidal streams, strong upwind seas, total zero wind situations (and sometimes even no wind and big waves which is quite annoying), emergency situations due to failures on board and so on; so we need a reliable engine in which we can trust ; I’m not considering here the normal situation in which you’ll turn on the engine for 10-20 minutes to sail away from your marina in calm-normal seas, for this standard purpose each engine is fine; in case of smallest boats, up to 23 feet, I’d anyway go for a electric engine (first choice) or a outboard 4 stroke engine, taking care that our battery pack for the electric engine gives us enough endurance, which may be a decent headache ; for bigger boats, from 23 to 30 footer, diesel inboard engine can be a good choice, and becomes the best choice if you normally need to motor for a quite long amount of time; in this last situation electric engine might be also a good choice but it’d be hugely compromised by the weight of a properly sized battery pack , or by its cost if you go for a light hi tech Litium-polymeric battery pack (they may cost a huge percentage of your entire boat) ; outboard engines often suffer from poor installation on a high placed transom bracket, that may lead the propeller to jump out of the water in short and steep waves with boat pitching, so the engine may be reliable in itself but its set up lead to a unreliable usage (a small well in the cockpit will make the outboard work veeeeery much better, see picture below)

in my humble opinion this is definitely the smartest way to fit an ouboard engine if you have a roomy cockpit : engine is on the centerline, propeller is in a very good position and it can work even with the boat heeled , and if you have to work on the engine you can do it in the cockpit, not hanging outboard in the weirdest positions

inboard diesel engine: Lombardini 20 HP fitted with saildrive on Petrel 28,  an uncompromised classical choice for a mediterranean cruiser

a very neat and clean inboard electric engine fitted on a wooden boat : will this be the future ?

we’ll keep on with this subject in the next part of this post, stay tuned !

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REDUCED TAKT AND ASSEMBLY TIME Indmar’s Plug and Play installation procedure significantly reduces installation time of the pump and engine by up to 50%. Saving boat builders money on installation, while providing the opportunity to increase production.

QUALITY CONSTRUCTION Current jet pump designs require up to 15+ leaks points for installation. Indmar’s EcoJet only requires four, reducing leak points by up to 10+ locations.

MORE COST EFFECTIVE   Lower cost than jet pumps currently available. Less cost in labor to install. Less cost to train installers and less cost for the end user to maintain.

PEACE OF MIND PROTECTION

Not only does Indmar’s Raptor Series offer more power, more torque and better fuel economy. More protection and peace of mind also come standard with our full 5-Year Factory Warranty.

Indmar’s 5-Year Factory Warranty is administered directly through Indmar Products, Inc. and is fully transferable. There are no third parties or insurance involvement. The Raptor Series is an exclusive line-up that defies every challenge, especially the test of time.

5-YEAR WARRANTY

FACTORY BACKED

TRANSFERRABLE

COMES STANDARD

FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SALE

THE INDMAR OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE Buying a boat with an Indmar Marine Engine is like joining a family. A big thrill-seeking, adrenaline-fueled, happy family. Take comfort in knowing that our relationship does not end the day you drive off into the sunset with your new boat. Throughout your entire ownership experience, from the engines quality and performance, to the buying, maintenance and service, we at Indmar and our boat building partners along with our dealer network, are committed to providing you outstanding customer service.

Because it’s an Indmar, there is very little required maintenance and when you need maintenance you have over 1,800 locations to service you no matter where you are in the world. Indmar personally trains and certifies each of their authorized technicians. Whether you are looking to purchase a new boat or service your existing one, you can expect a first-class experience with professional service, high quality genuine Indmar parts and certified technicians that have been specially trained by Indmar to ensure your service or repairs meet our specifications.

RAPTOR MODELS

Marine Inboard Engines: A Comprehensive Guide

by Emma Sullivan | Jul 19, 2023 | Sailing Adventures

Short answer: Marine inboard engines

Marine inboard engines are internal combustion engines used to power boats and watercraft. They are typically mounted within the hull and drive a propeller shaft, providing propulsion. These engines offer better balance, control, and power efficiency compared to outboard motors.

The Basics of Marine Inboard Engines: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the basics of marine inboard engines! Whether you’re a passionate boat owner or simply curious about the machinery that powers these magnificent vessels, this article is packed with professional insights and clever anecdotes that will surely pique your interest. So fasten your life jackets and prepare for a deep dive into the world of marine inboard engines!

Picture yourself cruising through open waters, wind in your hair, as your boat gracefully glides across the sea. But have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface? Well, it’s none other than the heart of your vessel – the marine inboard engine. These mechanical marvels are responsible for propelling boats forward and ensuring that every adventure is powered by pure efficiency.

Now, let’s get technical! In simple terms, an inboard engine is a propulsion system located within the hull of a boat. It consists of various components working harmoniously to convert fuel into kinetic energy.

First up, we have the engine block – the powerhouse where all the magic happens. This robust metal structure houses cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts that transform fuel combustion into rotational motion. Think of it as Captain Nemo’s secret chamber, combining power and elegance below deck.

To keep our engine cool under pressure (pun intended), we introduce cooling systems such as raw water or closed circuit cooling. Just like an ice-cold lemonade on a scorching summer day; these systems prevent overheating by efficiently removing excess heat generated during operation.

Moving on to ignition systems – we can’t forget how crucial it is to “spark” things up! Spark plugs create an electric arc that ignites fuel within each cylinder at precisely calculated intervals. This controlled explosion produces energy used to propel both large luxury yachts and nimble speedboats alike.

Fuel supply systems play a starring role too. They provide a steady stream of energy-rich cocktails for our engines to feast upon. From carburetors to advanced electronic fuel injection, these systems ensure an optimal fuel-to-air mixture, maximizing performance and efficiency. Just like a well-mixed cocktail, it’s all about balance and precision!

Ahoy there! Let’s raise the anchor and navigate our way into gearboxes and transmissions. These vital components allow the engine’s rotational force to be smoothly transferred to the propeller shaft, ensuring forward or backward motion based on your command. It’s like shifting gears in a sports car, but with the tranquility of being surrounded by water.

Now that we’ve explored the inner workings of marine inboard engines, let’s not forget one important aspect – maintenance! Just like taking care of your trusty first mate, regular maintenance and inspections are vital for long-lasting performance. Changing fluids, checking belts and hoses, inspecting filters – these tasks ensure smooth sailing for years to come.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the basics of marine inboard engines! We hope this article has not only enlightened you on how these engineering marvels work but also showcased their significance in every nautical adventure. Next time you set sail, take a moment to appreciate the finely tuned machinery powering your journey across vast oceans. Bon voyage!

How Marine Inboard Engines Work: An In-Depth Explanation

When it comes to boating, the engine powering your vessel is undoubtedly its life force. And for many water enthusiasts, understanding how marine inboard engines work can be a fascinating endeavor. If you’re seeking an in-depth explanation of these powerful devices that propel your boat forward, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricate workings of marine inboard engines, unraveling their secrets and shedding light on their mechanical marvels.

At its core, a marine inboard engine serves as the powerhouse for your boat, generating the necessary energy required to traverse through the vast waters. Unlike outboard motors that are mounted outside the hull, inboard engines are placed within the hull’s confines, providing stability and control while preserving valuable deck space onboard.

Let’s start by examining the heart and soul of any combustion engine: internal combustion. Marine inboard engines rely on this principle to extract power from fuel and air mixtures through controlled explosions within cylinders. The primary components facilitating this process include pistons, spark plugs, valves, and fuel injectors – all working together harmoniously like a symphony; or perhaps more fittingly – like whales singing across ocean waves.

To set things into motion (quite literally), fuel is injected into each individual cylinder at precise intervals. It then mixes with air before being compressed by rapidly moving pistons back towards their point of origin – known as top dead center. This compression creates heat and pressure inside each cylinder that sparks plug ingeniously ignites by emitting an electric charge at just the right moment – giving birth to a mini fireball akin to fireworks lighting up a peaceful night sky.

And here comes when physics demonstrate its magic! The rapid expansion of gas resulting from combustion forces pistons down with remarkable vigor – almost as if Poseidon himself were pushing them forward through sheer water-based might. These synchronized piston movements ultimately transfer rotational energy to a crankshaft – transforming the rhythmic up-and-down motion of pistons into a continuous circular motion.

But how does this rotational energy make its way to the propeller? Enter the transmission, an essential intermediary that bridges the gap between engine output and propulsive power. The transmission diligently manipulates torque and speed ratios to optimize performance according to desired boat speed or maneuverability. Acting like maritime engineers aboard your vessel, they ensure your inboard engine operates smoothly and efficiently – maximizing every ounce of horsepower available.

With all this mechanical brilliance at work, some may wonder how fuel is delivered consistently given not-so-smooth waters beneath their hulls. Well, marine inboard engines are cleverly equipped with fuel pumps that utilize floats or pressure differential mechanisms to maintain a consistent supply of fuel regardless of your boating escapades – akin to providing sustenance for adventurers exploring uncharted territories.

Lastly, but certainly not least, let’s shed light on cooling systems in marine inboard engines. As these hardworking marvels undergo combustions time after time, heat builds up to potentially dangerous levels – akin to boiling water in a cauldron suspended above crackling flames. To prevent this overheating nightmare from happening onboard your cherished vessel, coolants circulate throughout the engine – absorbing excess heat like diligent sailors keeping watch over their shipmates’ well-being.

In conclusion, marine inboard engines are engineering wonders that drive our vessels through waves and across vast water bodies. Employing internal combustion as their backbone, these magnificent machines harness controlled explosions within cylinders to generate power for propulsion. With spark plugs igniting fuel-air mixtures at just the right moment and pistons moving rhythmically like synchronized swimmers at Olympic games – it’s clear that mother nature meets human ingenuity under any boat’s hood.

So next time you sail away into open waters or embark on a sun-kissed fishing trip with family and friends, take a moment to appreciate the captivating complexity of your marine inboard engine. It’s a true testament to human innovation, allowing us to navigate the deep blue and revel in the wonders of our beautiful planet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining and Servicing Marine Inboard Engines

Maintaining and servicing marine inboard engines is an essential task for any boat owner or enthusiast. Regular upkeep ensures the smooth operation, longevity, and reliability of your vessel. But fear not! In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process with a touch of professionalism, wit, and cleverness to make it an enjoyable journey.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s gather our arsenal of tools. Think of yourself as a skilled mechanic on a naval mission! Some must-have tools include screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches, socket sets, and oil filter wrenches. Remember to have cleaning supplies like rags or paper towels within arm’s reach; grease is inevitable!

Step 2: Safety First (Captain Obvious Mode Activated)

Don’t be a daredevil when it comes to marine engine maintenance. Always prioritize safety! Before starting any work on your beloved inboard engine, make sure to disconnect the battery by removing the negative cable. This ensures no accidental sparks or electrical malfunctions during maintenance.

Step 3: Get Intimate with Your Owner’s Manual

Your vessel’s manual is your bible throughout this process – so let its wisdom wash over you! Familiarize yourself with important sections covering maintenance procedures specific to your marine inboard engine model. Understand things like oil change intervals and recommended lubricants; it’s like getting to know your engine on a more intimate level!

Step 4: Don Your Sherlock Holmes Hat & Inspect Away

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the manual’s sacred scrolls, start inspecting the engine area closely. Look out for signs of corrosion, loose wires or hoses, leaks – anything out of the ordinary screams “I need attention!” Being thorough at this stage saves headaches later on.

Step 5: Oil Change Time – A Slippery Endeavor!

Ah yes, now we enter the realm of the infamous oil change. Find the oil drain valve and prepare your spill-catching container – trust us, it’s not as easy as pouring milk into a cup! Unscrew the valve, let gravity work its magic, and let your vessel drip with gratitude for its fresh liquid gold.

Step 6: Filter Fun – Twist, Turn, Replace

Now that oil is out of the way let’s tackle those pesky filters! Locate the oil filter cannister and use an appropriate wrench to unscrew it. Tip: hold an empty plastic bag below before removing the filter to catch any residual messiness. After cleaning up (remember our rags?), it’s time to twist on a shiny new filter – almost like giving your engine a fresh breath of air!

Step 7: Spark Plugs – The Marino Magicians

Feel like playing magician today? Well then, check out those spark plugs! Disconnect one ignition wire at a time with your wizard-like touch and remove each plug using a spark plug socket. Inspect them closely for signs of damage or fouling. If they seem worn-out or charred like toast after too many mornings in a toaster… it’s time for new ones!

Step 8: Belt Up, Baby!

Don’t neglect those hard-working belts; they deserve some love too! Check their condition for wear or cracks by gently pressing down with a finger between pulleys. If you can manage more than half an inch depression – congratulations! Your beloved belts are still doing their job. Otherwise, get ready for some shopping – belt shopping that is.

Step 9: Water Pumps’ Surprise Party

The water pump keeps things cool in your engine world while enduring endless revolutions of seas and rivers. Does it deserve an occasional surprise party? Absolutely! Inspect its impeller annually; if there are eroded or missing blades… well… it’s time for birthday upgrades!

Step 10: Give ‘er a Bath – One Fresh Coating!

With the maintenance tasks complete, it’s time to clean up your engine’s appearance. Apply a fresh coating of engine paint using appropriate high-temperature grade spray paint to protect against corrosion and make your engine sparkle. Who said engines can’t have their own beauty rest?

Congratulations, you’ve successfully completed our step-by-step guide to maintaining and servicing marine inboard engines! Your vessel is now ready for smooth sailing adventures with a reliable heart under its helm. Go forth, explore, and enjoy the unruly waves with your trusted aquatic companion – because maintaining your inboard engine is part science, part artistry, and all passion!

Common FAQs about Marine Inboard Engines Answered

Marine inboard engines are an essential component of any boat, powering your vessel and allowing you to navigate the open waters with ease. However, it’s common for boat owners to have questions and concerns about these engines. In this blog post, we aim to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about marine inboard engines, providing you with detailed and insightful information to help you maintain your engine effectively.

Q: What is a marine inboard engine? A: A marine inboard engine is an internal combustion engine specifically designed for use in boats. It is typically mounted inside the hull or transom of the vessel and operates using gasoline or diesel fuel.

Q: How does a marine inboard engine differ from an outboard motor? A: While both marine inboard engines and outboard motors serve the same purpose of propelling a boat, they differ in terms of their placement on the vessel. An inboard engine is fixed within the boat’s hull, while an outboard motor is externally attached to the stern. Inboards are known for their powerful performance and better weight distribution, while outboards offer greater maneuverability.

Q: What maintenance tasks should be performed regularly on a marine inboard engine? A: Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your marine inboard engine. Some key tasks include changing oil and filters on schedule, inspecting belts for wear and tear, checking coolant levels, cleaning or replacing spark plugs, monitoring fuel lines for leaks or blockages, inspecting impellers for damage or debris accumulation, and ensuring proper alignment of propeller shafts.

Q: How often should I change the oil in my marine inboard engine? A: The frequency of oil changes depends on several factors such as hours of operation, types of fuel used (gasoline vs. diesel), manufacturer recommendations, and overall usage conditions. Typically, changing oil every 50-100 hours of operation or once a year is recommended. However, it’s always wise to consult your engine’s manual or seek expert advice for specific guidelines based on your boating habits.

Q: What are the signs of a cooling system issue in a marine inboard engine? A: Overheating is a common indication of cooling system problems in marine inboard engines. If you notice an increase in operating temperature, loss of power, unusual noise, or the appearance of steam or smoke from the exhaust, it may be due to issues like clogged water filters, faulty thermostats, impeller damage, or insufficient coolant levels. Promptly addressing these issues and seeking professional help is crucial to prevent further damage.

Q: How can I improve the fuel efficiency of my marine inboard engine? A: Several measures can enhance the fuel efficiency of your marine inboard engine. Maintaining clean air filters and regularly inspecting fuel lines for leaks or obstructions are essential steps. Additionally, propeller selection plays a significant role in fuel consumption; selecting the appropriate propeller pitch and diameter can optimize performance. Lastly, maintaining a consistent cruising speed and avoiding unnecessary idling can also contribute to fuel savings.

In conclusion, understanding marine inboard engines and their maintenance requirements is vital for every boat owner. By addressing common FAQs about these engines with detailed information and practical tips, we hope to empower you to keep your vessel running smoothly and enjoy countless memorable journeys on the water.

Choosing the Right Marine Inboard Engine for Your Vessel: Factors to Consider

When it comes to selecting a marine inboard engine for your vessel, there are several crucial factors that need to be taken into consideration. From power output to fuel efficiency, each aspect plays a significant role in determining which engine will best suit your needs. To ensure that you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of key factors that you should consider before making your purchase.

1. Power Output: The first and foremost factor to consider is the power output of the marine inboard engine. The power output determines how much thrust the engine can generate and how well it can propel your vessel through water. It is essential to assess your vessel’s weight and size requirements to determine the appropriate power output needed for optimal performance.

2. Fuel Efficiency: Another critical factor is fuel efficiency. A fuel-efficient marine inboard engine not only saves you money on fuel costs but also reduces environmental impact by emitting fewer greenhouse gases. Modern engines often come with advanced technologies such as direct fuel injection or turbocharging, which enhance their efficiency while maintaining performance.

3. Durability and Reliability: Investing in a durable and reliable marine inboard engine is vital for ensuring a smooth sailing experience. You want an engine that can withstand harsh maritime conditions without compromising its functionality or breaking down frequently. Research customer reviews, consult experts, and select engines from reputable manufacturers recognized for their reliability.

4. Maintenance Requirements: Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping any mechanical system running smoothly, and marine engines are no exception. However, different engines may have varying maintenance requirements regarding frequency and complexity. Consider your own time availability and expertise when choosing an engine with manageable maintenance demands or opt for professional servicing options if necessary.

5. Noise Level: Noise pollution can significantly impact comfort levels on board your vessel during long trips or leisurely cruises along serene coastlines. Many modern marine inboard engines employ noise reduction technologies to minimize sound emissions. Choosing an engine with lower decibel levels ensures significant improvements in onboard tranquility and passenger comfort.

6. Compatibility: Matching an engine’s compatibility with your vessel’s existing systems is crucial for seamless integration. Consider factors such as mounting options, transmission requirements, and electrical compatibility when choosing a marine inboard engine. Working with a knowledgeable professional or consulting the manufacturer directly can assist you in identifying engines that are specifically designed to fit your vessel’s specifications.

7. Cost: Last but certainly not least, cost is a central factor that influences decision making for many boat owners. Like any other purchase, it is essential to consider both the initial investment and long-term running costs associated with different marine inboard engines. While it may be tempting to select the cheapest option available, remember that higher-quality engines often provide better performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity – saving you money in the long run.

In conclusion, choosing the right marine inboard engine requires careful consideration of various factors such as power output, fuel efficiency, durability, maintenance requirements, noise level, compatibility with existing systems, and cost. Taking into account these crucial elements will help ensure that you make an informed decision that maximizes your vessel’s performance while providing lasting satisfaction on countless maritime adventures.

Troubleshooting Tips for Marine Inboard Engines: Resolving Common Issues

Marine inboard engines are the powerhouse of your boat, propelling you through the water and providing a reliable means of transportation on the open seas. However, like any complex machine, they can encounter issues from time to time that may leave you stranded or frustrated. In this blog post, we will explore some common problems that boaters may encounter with their marine inboard engines and provide troubleshooting tips to resolve these issues effectively.

One of the most common issues boaters face with their marine inboard engines is difficulties starting the engine. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as a dead battery, fuel system issues, or even an ignition problem. To troubleshoot this issue, start by checking your battery connections for any corrosion or loose connections. If necessary, clean or tighten them properly.

Next, examine your fuel system components. Ensure that there is enough fuel in the tank and check for clogged fuel filters or lines that may obstruct proper fuel flow. It’s also crucial to inspect the ignition system for worn-out spark plugs or faulty wiring connections that might prevent the engine from starting smoothly.

Another frequent problem encountered by boaters is overheating of their marine inboard engines. Excessive heat can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. The main culprit behind overheating is often a malfunctioning cooling system. Begin by inspecting your boat’s water pump impeller for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.

Additionally, check your engine’s coolant levels and top up if needed while paying attention to any possible leaks within the cooling system. A thorough examination of hoses and clamps should also be performed as they can become loose over time due to constant vibrations experienced at sea.

Fuel-related issues can also plague marine inboard engines, causing poor performance and reduced efficiency. One common problem is contaminated fuel or water present in the fuel tank. To address this issue, it’s advisable to drain and clean out the fuel tank thoroughly, removing any water or debris that may have accumulated.

Additionally, check your fuel filters for any contamination and replace them if required. Regularly using a good quality fuel stabilizer can also minimize the chances of fuel-related problems occurring in the first place.

Lastly, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of regular maintenance and servicing for marine inboard engines. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is vital to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent potential issues from arising.

Regularly inspecting and cleaning spark plugs, changing engine oil, replacing filters, and checking belts are just a few routine tasks that should be carried out in order to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your marine inboard engine.

In conclusion, troubleshooting common issues with marine inboard engines requires a combination of technical knowledge, attention to detail, and preventive maintenance practices. By following these simple yet effective tips mentioned above – addressing starting difficulties, resolving overheating concerns, tackling fuel-related problems – you can troubleshoot these issues like a pro. Always remember though: if you encounter persistent or severe engine troubles that you’re unsure about resolving yourself, seeking professional assistance from experienced marine mechanics is highly recommended. Happy boating!

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6 Great Small Boats With Inboard Motors (With Pictures)

Here are some popular small boats with inboard motors.

Boats with inboard motors are typically bigger boats but there are some cool options out there for small models as well.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Small Fishing Boats with Inboard Motors

Offshore fishing boats are meant for rough waters and are often powered inboard/outboard, outboard, or inboard engines.

This is because they can be both fuel-efficient (you can run out of fuel in the middle of rough waters) but powerful at the same time.

1) Albemarle 32 Express

The 32 Express is one of the best inboard fishing boats out there. It is strong with a:

• Accessible Gel coated Bilge Areas
• Bonded and Mechanically Fastened Hull, Deck, and Liner
• Fiberglass Encapsulated Stringer System
• Heavy Duty Vinyl Rub Rail with Stainless Steel Insert
• Molded, Hand-Laid Solid Fiberglass Construction with Premium Gelcoat Finish and Vinylester Resin

When you’re not fishing, you can relax in the main cabin which has:

• Access to Bilge
• Carpeting Throughout
• Sofa, Converts to Double Berth
• Storage Compartment and Large Drawers below Berth
• Recessed Indirect LED Lighting
• Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning/ Heat System
• Salon Table
• Coast Guard Safety Kit
• Custom Cherry Cabinetry with Satin Finish
• Diagonal Double Berth
• Chrome Finished Positive Catch Push Button Latches on All Cabinetry
• Hanging Locker
• Built-in Upholstered Seating

2) The Supra Comp TS6M

The Supra Comp TS6 was made from 1986-1992. While that might seem like it’s a bit dated, it definitely stands the test of time.

Not only is it a great versatile inboard boat that works well as a runaround as well as a fishing boat, they normally come with a few extra amenities because they have been improved upon by their previous owners.

The TS6M is a great 19-foot fiberglass boat They come with the standard sound system, ski towers, and vinyl upholstery. Often, you will see them for sale with the upholstery updated as well as new paint-jobs. If not, the money you save on buying a used boat can go toward a custom paint job.

Just make sure you consult with a marine specialist when buying a used boat.

Rib Boats with Inboard Motors

Ridged inflatable boats (or Rib boats) are great for fun day trips in freshwater.

Some of the best options for RIB boats are from AB Inflatable.

3) Zodiac MilPro

The Zodiac Milpro line of Rigid Inflatable Boats (or RIB boats) is one of the only RIB boats that offer a single or a double inboard diesel (with water jet) engine. They also offer a sterndrive or surface drive. They are used mostly by the coast guard as well as other professionals who work on the water.

Because they are so well-regarded as tough and hearty, they are often seen as indestructible.

Their tubes are foam filled and D shaped in order to fit their hulls, which are made of aluminum, carbon-reinforced plastic, or glass-reinforced plastic. Their inflatable collars are made of heavy-duty CSM/neoprene, polyurethane-coated fabrics which can withstand so much.

The foam they use is from Zodiac’s own Durarib system.

Aluminum Boats with Inboard Motors

Aluminum boats are great for tooling around, fishing, or just spending some time out on the lake or river.

4) Weldcraft Renegade

If you’re looking for a great aluminum boat with an inboard motor, try the Weldcraft Renegade on for size. This also has an inboard jet, so you can get to your favorite fishing spot quickly.

The Renegade is powered by either a catalyzed 5.7L MEFI-5 with an American Turbine SD-309 inboard pump or a 200HP Optimax Sportjet.

Both of those options will allow for some great fishing, crabbing, cruising, or for some water skiing. It comes in two different models: the Renegade 18 and the Renegade 20.

They both offer a heavy-duty fold down top with:

• Curtains along the side and a backdrop,
• two folding seats on adjustable pedestals,
• bow storage,
• marine-grade plywood floors,
• carpeted sidewalls,
• side storage trays,
• side rod racks,
• and an in-line muffler system.

5) Northwest Boats’ 208 Northstar

The 23’3″ Northwest Boats’ 208 Northstar is also a great option. This one also comes with an inboard jet. It is built to be used and has family-friendly dimensions and maximum versatility. You can take it in white waters or of a leisurely day trip with your family.

With the driver and passenger captain’s seats, side curtains, EX-Arch step-through door, and storage bench seating, it is built for comfort and can go wherever you want to go.

The 208 Northstar also has stainless steel cup holders, rod racks on the gunwale, subfloor storage, bow storage access panel, and vinyl marine-grade plywood floors.

There are a ton of optional features as well, like:

• Hydraulic steering upgrade,
• bow fish box,
• AM/FM CD-Radio,
• wash down pumps for the driver and passenger seats,
• removable transom ski pols and sport seating,
• as well as a bow mount trolling motor wiring Hang, rig and run.

Center Console Boats with Inboard Motors

Boats with center consoles are usually used as workboats. The steering consoles are mounted in the center of the boat. These engines are powerful and can get to places quickly.

6) Dusky 233

This classic center console inboard has been around for a while and you can find them on a few used boat sites. Of course, you can find both inboard and outboard options on boat trader sites. It has an easy-going engine made for the tinkerer.

If you’re the type that likes working on your own boat, the Dusky engine 350 parts are easily found in most part stores (even West Marine). With all the weight riding forward, the ride is smooth and soft. It’s also spacious and has plenty of room off the transom.

The 23′ Dusky 233 inboard has a hull made of fiberglass and is made for skiing and fishing. It comes with:

• The standard rod holders,
• beverage holders,
• bench seats,
• and anchor locker.

They are also available with GPS and plotters, VHF, and compass.

What are the best inboard gasoline engines?

If you have a bit of money to burn and you’re looking to upgrade the inboard engine on your boat, here are some of the best boating engines on the market today.

• The Mercury Mercruiser 3.0 TKS: This is great at powering small pontoons, runabouts, and small commercial fishing boats. It’s good for everything because it is both reliable, has excellent fuel economy, and has a great reputation for being a terrific performer. It has a patented turnkey start (TKS) and has 135 hp.
• The Crusader 6.0: The Crusader is a direct fuel injection inboard motor. Powered by gasoline, it has 375 hp, which is a hefty engine for a mid to small boat.
• The Ilmore MV8 5.7L: The MV8 is a durable, efficient, and reliable recreational inboard engine. The 324.9 hp engine has been certified for tournament use (for and by the American Water Ski Association).

6 types of marine engines

When it comes to picking out boats and engines, there are an array of choices for boaters to choose from. The principle is the same as any other internal combustion engine (like the one found in your truck or car).

Except that, instead of setting wheels in motion, a boat motor turns the propeller, via the drive shaft.

There are six different types of motors including:

Inboard drives.

Otherwise known as an inboard motor, these are engines enclosed in your boat. The rudder, props, and driveshaft are all located under your boat. These are powered by diesel or gasoline and are available in single or twin engines.

The most common type are 4- or 6- cylinder engines. Another option is to have a marine V-drive engine, which is located closer to the stern. Inboard engines are the types of engines we will be focusing on, so I’ll delve deeper into this a little later.

Outboard motors.

This is a motor located on the outside of the boat. It is the most common type among freshwater boats: whether fishing or pleasure craft. They are self-contained and are mounted to the transom (or the rear wall) of the boat.

The mounted unit will contain an engine, steering control, and a propeller. Some even have cables which help pivot the entire motor, to help with steering.

The 2- and 3- cylinder versions are the most common outboard motor but there are some beefy V-6 and V-8 options out there.

Sterndrives (AKA Inboard/Outboard).

Like the outboard motor, these are located outside the boat but is mounted inboard, in front of the transom. Some people say this is the best of both worlds.

It can be pivoted to move up out of the water (like other outboard motors) but it gives the boater more control (like inboard motors). They are also commonly bigger than outboard motors with the most common sizes being 4-cylinder and V-6 engines.

Surface Drives.

These are used by boats that have to perform a lot: speedboats, boats used for racing, etc. They’re also used in large boats due to the fact that the propellers are replaced with jet drives to push the boat through the water. The water is drawn in through a jet under the hull, then flows through impellers, which are hooked up to a nozzle. The nozzle is what steers the boat.

Jet drives accelerate quickly but aren’t the best option when it comes to fuel efficiency, so watch out for that.

Pod Drives.

A pod drive uses a propeller under the engine, which helps pull the boat through the water, instead of being pushed through the water (like with the other engine types). They normally come in pairs, in order to help with maneuvering through the water. This is extremely helpful when it comes to docking the boat or squeezing it through some tight spaces.

How do inboard marine engines work?

An inboard engine is somewhat similar to a car engine. It creates power in the same way and drives the boat the same way a motor powers a car. After all, they are both combustible engines which have cylinders which use fuel. Sparks ignite the fuel (mixed with air) creating an explosion, pushing the pistons into place.

These pistons are connected to crankshafts (otherwise called drive shafts). As the pistons are pushed down, the drive shaft spins, which moves the vehicle.

As far as boats are concerned, the propellers, are connected to the drive shaft. So when the drive shaft spins, so do the propellers.

One main difference between a car engine and an inboard engine is how the inboard engine cools itself.

While cars use radiators, inboard engines use the surrounding water. The water is pumped into the inboard, cools the engine, then is pushed back out with the engine exhaust. This is why you’ll see water coming from the back of a boat with an inboard engine.

Now while they work somewhat similarly, they are not interchangeable. Don’t let anyone convince you to use a car engine for an inboard motor. For one, the inboard motor works a lot harder than a car engine. For example, getting a four-ton boat to power through the water at a decent speed is the same as towing a 24-foot trailer up six percent grade incline for ten miles, using a V-6 engine.

In addition, car engines don’t heat up as much as marine engines do, because they don’t have to work as hard.

How to take care of an inboard marine engine

There are a few ways to take care of your inboard engine:

• Flush your engine regularly
• Prepare for the spring
• Winterize your engine

How do you flush an inboard engine correctly?

Flushing your inboard engine can be a fairly simple process.

There are two main reasons why you would want to flush a marine engine. Both of those reasons are due to avoid future issues with your boat:

• In order to reduce the corrosion from the saltwater.
• As a part of the winterization process, in order to keep the engine block from freezing and cracking.

Running your boat in saltwater means that you’re basically running your boat through a sea of corrosive liquid. However, flushing your inboard engine regularly can keep your important engine parts free of rust and deterioration.

Luckily, most new engines let you hook up a hose into the intake, which means that you can just flush your engine right there. It’s as easy as watering a flower garden.

• Cover the air intake to prevent debris from getting in while you flush it
• Hook up a hose to the water intake, let the water start flowing, then let the engine idle. You’ll know it’s clean when the water running through it, comes out clean.
• Make sure you check the prop shaft (it should turn without any stiffness), stuffing box (no leakage, wear, or tear), water pump impeller (check for rust, cracking, or dry spots), and engine hoses (replace them if they look like they’re starting to crack).
• Open the engine compartment to check for scents. If it’s starting to smell, look around. If you smell fuel, look for a leak in the fuel line, fuel filter, or the tank fitting.

These easy steps ensure that your engine will run smoothly and will prevent bigger problems down the road. It might seem as though you can push these tasks for later. However, waiting too long can lead to engine room flooding, rust, overheating issues, or misalignment.

How do you prepare your inboard engine for spring?

You’ll need to prepare your boat when you take it out for its first excursion during the spring or summer. If you didn’t do this when winterizing your boat, make sure to:

• Change the engine oil
• Replace the oil filters
• Purchase a spare filter to keep with you on the boat

Make sure there isn’t any creamy oil in the lower unit of your engine. Creamy oil means water. Then, hook up your battery and your engine should be good to go.

How do you winterize an inboard motor?

When boat season is over, you’re going to need to winterize your inboard motor. You can do this by checking the antifreeze. You can do this in for steps:

• Gas it up!  

Make sure the tank is full of gas. This decreases the chance that, in the winter, air will get into the tank.

Add a bit of stabilizer in with the fuel. Your owner’s manual should suggest the proper amount. Stabilizer ensures that there isn’t buildup in your fuel tank when it sits for a long period of time. Not just the tank, but also your fuel lines, injectors, and carbonators.

Warm the engine by running it in the water or by running it with an adapter.

• Add some antifreeze.

In addition to adding antifreeze, make sure you also spray some fogging oil into the engine. Antifreeze prevents any water and condensation in your engine from freezing. Fogging oil protects the internal surfaces of your engine from corrosion. It also lubricates the cylinder walls and can prevent it from scuffing the next time you start the engine in the spring or summer.

• Change the oil and the oil filter

Yes, you can leave this for the spring. However, since your engine is already warm, why not drain and change the oil now? If the transmission and engine are contaminated with dirt, you don’t want it doing any harm in the winter.

• Do a final check.  

While you’re at it, feel free to do a routine check for each of these systems and parts:

• Exhaust system: look for corrosion
• Hoses and clamps: look for damage
• Seal off any cracks to avoid build-up
• Remove the battery and keep it on a trickle charger
• Keep bug repellant on board
• Acquire a good winter boat cover
• Stay vigilant and make sure it is insured for theft and damage

The Takeaway:

There are plenty of engine options to choose from: between inboard to outboard to surface drives. Inboard motors are great for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and other leisure and sports activities because of its amazing wake control.

They can also tow well and clear transom for tow ropes.

Take proper care of your engine.

No matter which inboard engine you decide to purchase, make sure you are taking proper care of it. Taking good care of an inboard motor will prevent any bigger issues down the road.

Flush the engine as often as you can. While you’re waiting for the water to run clear through the engine, check any hoses, connectors, pumps, stuffing box, and make sure to look for the smell of fuel in the engine compartment.

You should also winterize your engine properly and make sure the oil and filters are changed before you start it back up in the spring. You can change them in the spring before you start it up for the season, but it will be much easier to do that maintenance when you’re winterizing your boat .

Needing a change?

The idea of changing out an old inboard engine for a new one, know that there are a lot more things to consider than just the price tag of the new engine. There are a few things you should do if you do find that this option is the best for you:

• Make a list of the yards and mechanics around you who have done similar repowering jobs.
• Look at yelp reviews and ask around to see if customers are happy with their service.
• Consider changes you’ll have to make if the horsepower will increase or if the motor itself will be lighter. For example, if you’re swapping from an old diesel engine to a newer, lighter model. If you’ll be making changes like this, contact the boat manufacturer to see if you’ll need to make any structural alterations.
• Consider the changes necessary if you convert from gas to diesel.
• Also, consider the size of the engine. Will there be room for access?
• Will the electrical gauges work with the new engine?

Lastly, don’t let anyone tell you that you can swap an inboard motor with an automotive crate engine because (while they are similar in theory), there are enough differences to cause problems.

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Electric Sailboat Motor: Range, Cost, Best Kits for Conversion

Today, owning a completely green sailboat has been made possible with electric sailboat motors.

Imagine cruising with the silence of an electric sailboat motor and the ease of use with a simple press on the start button. What’s better is there are no exhaust fumes at all with significantly less maintenance.

It’s so appealing that a lot of sailing liveaboards have made their electric sailboat motor conversion.

However, some sailors are still on the fence, worrying about the range and price of the electric sailboat motor.

If you are one of them, you are in the right place!

This post will guide you through every aspect you need to know about electric sailboat motors to help you make an informed decision.

Besides, you will get professional insights on how to make the electric sailboat motor conversion for your own boat and learn the best electric sailboat motors (with honest reviews).

Table of contents:

• Electric Sailboat Motors: Confusion Explained

Electric Sailboat Motor or Combustion Motor

• Electric Yacht Motor Conversion: Two Solutions
• How to Size an Electric Sailboat Motor

Best Electric Sailboat Motors (with Reviews)

Electric Sailboat Motor: Confusion Explained

Can you go cruising with an electric sailboat motor? Can you put an electric motor on a sailboat? Are there any limitations?

Whether electric sailboat motors are a good fit for your boat is not a YES or NO question. Here we will explain your top worries with statistics and facts. That way, you can make a wise decision according to your situation.

You may hear some complaints about the batteries and range of the electric propulsion.

However, their experience may not suit electric sailboat motors.

In fact, even small electric engines work pretty well in many sailboats. That’s because most of the time, the wind can power the boat, and the motor is just used for docking or in rare times when there is no wind.

Therefore, it makes more sense to learn electric sailboat motor performance in real-world applications.

Here is a test report of a 3 HP electric sailboat motor on an RS21 racing sailboat:

As you can see, the small electric sailboat motor can run at 5.5 mph top speed for one hour continuously.

And there is a big difference in terms of range vs speed for electric sailboat motors:

If you lower the speed, the range and runtime can be greatly extended. The slower you go, the further you’ll get. For example, if you cut your speed in half, the electric sailboat motor can last 7 hours and go 20 miles within one charge.

That’s pretty sufficient if you use the electric yacht motor mostly for docking or as an auxiliary engine.

Faster top speed (and more range) is available with higher power electric sailboat motors depending on your specific requirements. Contact a specialist to design your electric sailboat motor solutions.

Also, don’t forget to get the electric sailboat motor with regeneration (See recommendations below).

That’s to say, when there is a lot of wind and you’re moving rapidly via your sails, they regenerate and store electric power on the batteries to keep you moving at other times. Solar recharging is also a plus.

Essentially, the range depends on how many batteries you have, so it’s not a limitation of electric sailboat motors but energy and batteries.

If you are still worried, you can offset this by getting a diesel generator, which is more efficient than a diesel engine. And it is a range extender when you need it, but for 90% of your motoring that you don’t need the range, you can rely on the electric sailboat motor.

Some of you might be concerned about the extra weight of the batteries.

In fact, an electric sailboat motor with lithium batteries weighs less than a diesel engine, particularly if you include the fuel weight.

If you want a lightweight electric sailboat motor solution, make sure you get one with LiFePO4 batteries . Compared with other marine batteries, they are more compact in design with much less weight and higher energy density.

Some more advanced electric motors for small sailboats (such as Spirit 1.0 Evo) feature an integrated lightweight battery. So you don’t need to worry about the complex wiring to hook it up or extra space to store the battery.

This is a huge plus if you want to use the electric sailboat motor on a tender or dinghy.

Here is also a chart that collects the weight of some popular electric sailboat motors for your reference:

For many people, another big problem with electric sailboat motors is the cost.

It’s true that a gasoline outboard with similar power is a lot cheaper to buy. However, the electric sailboat motor eventually wins in long-term operating cost. That’s especially the case if you are going to do a lot of motoring.

Electric sailboat motors save on fuel and maintenance costs, which can build up to a large amount over time.

Here is a chart that compares the cost of a 3HP electric sailboat motor (coming with a built-in battery) with its combustion counterpart:

That’s to say, you will cover the price difference for electric yacht motors eventually as long as you use it long enough. Click to check the details of the calculation .

What makes the electric sailboat motor even more worthwhile is it saves you a lot of hassles, especially for sailors who only use the engine in and out of the harbor. Dealing with the maintenance of the gas outboard for a 10 minute motor out of and into the harbor is disproportionate and painful.

*The higher horsepower electric sailboat motor may be different in terms of the cost calculation. Check out the outboard motor pricelist by HP for more information.

As you may have already noticed, electric propulsion has already been widely used in the marine industry:

It’s quiet while motoring, clean to handle, environmentally friendly, with less maintenance and operation costs.

The electric sailboat motors are easier to use with dramatically fewer moving parts to break and no worries about being a diesel mechanic to deal with the hard pulling start. You can have it always on, so it is ready whenever you need it.

And it makes even more sense in sailing applications:

You don’t really need to motor much if your plan is to actually sail. If you are completely becalmed, you will probably just need to motor at 2 knots to keep making way, which is easy for electric sailboat motors.

If you mostly use the motor to get into and out of the harbor, the electric sailboat motor also works great for you.

You can always charge up at the dock, motor out of the marina (or even motor to your sailing area or race start), then hoist the sails and when you’re through, the batteries are charged again.

The electric sailboat motor is also useful as a backup (kicker) motor in case your system goes down. That’s why you can see people pushing a lot of big boats with small electric motors. (Click to learn more information about kicker motors .)

Personally, it’s really nice to have an electric auxiliary in the boat – no smelly, messy diesel and motor oil to deal with, a much simpler system with less maintenance, and much, much quieter operation.

However, powerboats tend to have much higher requirements in terms of both power output and runtime. In that case, an electric sailboat motor can be hard to satisfy your needs.

How Do You Size an Electric Motor for a Sailboat?

As a rule of thumb, you will need approximately 1 HP per 550 lb of the displacement of your boat.

Generally speaking, a 3 HP electric sailboat motor can push a sailboat up to 25 ft and a 9.9 HP motor is sufficient for a 30 ft sailboat to motor at a satisfying speed.

However, bear in mind the horsepower you need always depends on your needs and applications.

It’s better to check the data from real-world tests to decide whether the electric sailboat motor is suitable for your specific needs.

For example, the 9.9 HP electric sailboat motor Navy 6.0 allows you to go at 6.9 mph (11.1 kph) on a 30 ft sailboat, and the range can be extended to 46.4 miles if you decrease your speed to 2.9 mph (4.6 kph).

Click to see more test reports with other electric motor and sailboat combinations, and find the electric sailboat motor that suits you best.

If you are still not sure about the size of the electric sailboat motor for you, feel free to leave us a comment and we will get back to you ASAP with professional suggestions.

Electric Sailboat Motor Conversion

Basically, there are two ways for you to convert your sailboat to a clean and quiet electric drive system:

You can either convert your current vessel to electric or buy an engineless yacht and install an electric sailboat motor on your own.

#1. Repower Your Sailboat with Electric Motor

If you decide to replace the diesel engine with an electric motor, you will need to do a lot of preparations:

The DIY approach requires an electric sailboat motor kit (including motor and controller), batteries, a good level of mechanical ability and basic electrical knowledge, as well as some common tools such as a voltmeter.

You will need to take the old engine out for the new electric sailboat motor installation. It’s not an easy task that involves removing the engine mounts and the drive shaft (dealing with the numerous hoses and cables), taking out the engine, exhaust system, fuel tank, and its attendant tubes, etc.

Remember to balance the boat to avoid listing during the electric sailboat motor conversion.

Then in with the new electric sailboat motor. The installation process can be straightforward if you choose the electric sailboat motor kit wisely (See steps below). Furthermore, you can set up solar charging for your electric sailboat motor with solar panels and charger.

Many sailors have recorded their electric sailboat motor conversion process and experience. Be sure to check them out to get some inspiration. For example, Ed Phillips has documented everything which can serve as a guide for newbies to get started.

Mind you there can be a whole heap that can go wrong in designing and maintaining the electric sailboat motor systems. You really need to be totally on top of it if you want decent performance or reliability.

If you are not that technically inclined, it’s better to talk to a specialist first to discuss your plan for a smooth electric sailboat motor conversion.

#2. Install an Electric Motor in a Sailboat

If you own an enginless sailboat, the electric sailboat motor conversion is much easier for you.

All you need to do is to find a reliable electric sailboat motor and install it in simple steps. The whole process can be easily done, even for beginners. Here we take the popular 6 HP electric sailboat motor Navy 3.0 as an example to show you the installation process:

• Step 1 : Rotate the clamps or use the screws to fix the outboard onto the sailboat.
• Step 2: Mount the steering system in the proper position.
• Step 3: Install the tiller on the electric sailboat motor.
• Step 4: Connect the batteries to the electric sailboat motor system.

Click to check the video tutorial that guides you through each step of the installation.

If you are worried about aesthetic issues and want higher horsepower options, an electric inboard motor can be a better suit for your sailboat. If you prefer an inboard motor for your sailboat, contact our OEM team to get an electric propulsion solution tailored to your needs.

Note : You might find some electric trolling motors rated by #s of thrust on the market. Actually, those electric trolling motors for sailboats can only provide limited speed and range. If you are heading into the wind, the trolling motors for sailboats are definitely not an ideal solution.

Once you’ve evaluated if electric sailboat motors are right for you, there are a lot of options for electric systems.

Here are some popular electric sailboat motors with positive reviews from customers worldwide. Fast charger is available for all the models recommended to reduce your charging stress.

#1. 3 HP Spirit 1.0 Evo

If you are looking for an electric motor for a small sailboat, be sure to check out the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo. It’s suitable for large daysailers or small cruising sailboats under 25 ft.

With the Spirit 1.0 Evo electric sailboat motor, you can go 5.5 mph (8.8 kph) at top speed on the 21 ft RS21 sailing boat, or troll for 20 hours continuously at 2.2 mph (3.5 kph) according to our test .

This electric sailboat motor with regeneration allows you to recover energy from the prop while under sail. It will start to generate power automatically when the sailing speed reaches 2 knots.

As an electric auxiliary sailboat motor, it can also be easily installed on your tender boats or yacht dinghies since it’s portable and easy to transport (with a lightweight integrated battery).

Features You Will Love:

• Come with the industry-first hydrogeneration capability
• Direct-drive technology makes it maintenance-free
• Portable with a 1276Wh large integrated lithium battery for long range
• Safety wristband keeps you safe in case of MOB
• Digital operation keeps you informed of the battery status

Spirit 1.0 Evo Electric Sailboat Motor Reviews:

“Great weekend with my 17′ sailboat powered by the Spirit Evo. This is great. Quiet and reliable. Went at 3/4 throttle for about 1.5hrs when taking it back to boat ramp.” – Robert Taylor

“Very happy with our Spirit Plus. Pushing our Kolibri 560 a 750 Kg sailboat, with ease. Doing about 5.8 km/h at 500W.” – Frank van Asten

#2. 6HP/9.9 HP Navy Evo Series

If you want a little more juice on the electric sailboat motor, check out the ePropulsion Navy Series. It offers 6 HP and 9.9 HP models for your selection and it provides sufficient power for sailboats up to 30 ft.

According to our test , the 6 HP electric motor Navy 3.0 can push the Catalina 25 sailboat (25 ft) at 6 mph (9.6 kph) top speed, while the Olga 33 sailboat (33 ft) can go at 7.5 mph (12 kph) with the 9.9 HP Navy 6.0 motor.

The Navy series electric sailboat motor also comes with regeneration features which can be recharged with hydrogeneration, wind turbine, and solar panel.

• Four controls to fit your sailboat installation and your boating style
• Accompany LiFePO4 batteries (need separate purchase) are more energy efficient
• Digital display offers real-time monitoring of the power and battery
• Magnetic kill switch and safety wristband keep you safe on the boat
• Electric start saves you trouble pulling the cord to start

Navy Series Electric Sailboat Motor Reviews:

“I have a Navy 3.0 with E80 on a Catalina 25 sailboat. It is working well. Currently I am using about 4% battery to go in/out of the marina by boat.” – Aaron Young

“Just finished my 8 weeks sailing journey in the Baltic Sea. The two Navy 3 outboards provide enough power for my 33ft catamaran. The 400W solar panels provided enough energy for engines and all other energy consumed on board with 2-6 persons. The two Navy Batteries provide power for engines and all other on-board electric devices. I never had to use shore power, so totally self-sufficient electric system.” – Martin Hildebrand

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The Ultimate Guide to Small Boats: What Are Your Options?

Small boats are where many people discover a love for the water, and if you’ve been browsing our Boat Finder Tool looking for small boats that would be ideal for your needs, you’ve surely encountered many options. 

Small boats are less expensive to buy and operate than large ones, are easier to tow or load on a trailer, and can sneak into tiny waterways that bigger boats can’t access.

Small boats also have an esoteric value that’s difficult to pin down. There’s something special about being physically closer to the water, surrounded by nature without all the extra tools and features found on larger, more complex boats. 

In fact, many boat lovers who own large boats also have a small boat or two that they love and enjoy just as much as their bigger craft. But which small boats would be best for you? To make the search easier, we'll review the top 10 small boat contenders.

Types of Small Boats

Inflatable boats, aluminum fishing boats.

• Pontoon Boats

Car-Toppers

Canoes and kayaks, personal watercrafts (pwcs).

Jon Boats are among the simplest and most popular boats around. Many consist of little more than an aluminum hull with a flat bottom and a squared-off bow, bench seats, and an outboard or electric outboard engine. They’re incredibly easy to launch, load, and store and are among the least expensive options for buying a boat .

Skiffs are another form of very simple, basic, all-purpose utility boats. What exactly makes a boat a skiff? This is a catch-all term often used to describe any relatively small and open boat. Due to this, there’s an extensive range of candidates.

Dinghies come in many shapes and sizes and in different versions that can be rowed, motored, or sailed. But they all share a few common traits: they’re usually very small (eight or 10 feet is standard) and are often used as tenders to transport people and gear from a boat to shore.

Inflatable boats come in two basic styles: those that are completely inflatable and those that have a rigid hull surrounded by an inflatable “collar” or ring (usually called a “RIB,” short for rigid inflatable boat). 

Most inflatables are made of materials like Hypalon or PVC fabrics. Their main advantage is the ability to bounce off anything they might hit. Still, RIB versions are also considered seaworthy and used in many commercial and search-and-rescue applications and for recreational purposes.

Aluminum fishing boats come in all shapes and sizes, the only common denominator being that they’re constructed of aluminum. Aluminum boats tend to be light, relatively inexpensive, and fuel-efficient.

Small Pontoon Boats

Although there are some very large and costly pontoon boats on the water, plenty of small models are available that are easy to trailer, easy to afford, and still get you a taste of luxury on the water. There are even different models and designs ranging from mini fishing pontoons to small performance pontoon boats.

Learn more in Buying a Pontoon or a Deck Boat?

This is another catch-all category of boat, with one common denominator: if a couple of people can lift it up and secure it to a roof rack on a car, the boat’s officially a car-topper. Usually, these are very small, simple boats, like Jon boats and dinghies.

These small crafts are popular, and even though most don’t have any mechanical propulsion, they’re still boats. In fact, there are some shockingly advanced models designed for specific purposes (such as fishing or maximum speed). Many boaters develop their initial love for the water while paddling or pedaling on a canoe or kayak.

While there are some large and rather complex jet boats , some small ones can be pretty thrilling to drive. Most have inboard jet engines that create thrust by blasting high-pressure water through a nozzle rather than spinning a propeller. However, there are outboard versions of jet engines, too.

Many people think of personal watercraft (PWCs) more like motorcycles of the water, which has led some to refer to them as waterbikes, or boatercycles. But despite their small size and limited passenger capacity, these are still boats in every sense of the word. They’re also among the most exciting to drive, and many are capable of neck-snapping acceleration, hair-raising high speeds, and exhilarating hairpin turns.

So—have you made up your mind as to which small boat you’d like to own? With all these options, it’s no surprise if you’re still trying to determine which one is right for you. No matter which ones you may be considering, however, one thing is a sure bet: whether it’s the only boat you have or it’s one of several in the family fleet, your love of the water is only going to grow when you spend time on your own small boat.

Read Next: Choosing the Right Boat Type for You

Editor’s Note:  This article was updated in December 2022.

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smallest sailboat which has an inboard engine

Discussion in ' Sailboats ' started by urisvan , Dec 29, 2008 .

urisvan Senior Member

hello, what should be the smallest size of a sailboat but still she will have an inboard engine. cheers  

ancient kayaker aka Terry Haines

I've seen a sailing kayak equipped with an electric trolling motor.  

Doug Lord Guest

I had a 20' motorsailer with a 15hp yanmar diesel....700 mile range under power.  

masalai masalai

I can remember 14 to 16 ft double ender? lap-strake planked heavy rowing boats fitted with a little petrol one cylinder salt water cooled inboard operating in the "sheltered waters of what is now the Gold Coast around the 50's to haul nets out from the beach and everyone strolling along would help to haul the net in and get a fish or two as thanks for their help, also some were later available as hire boats for fishing/crabbing in the rivers....  

timothy22 Junior Member

In the '70s I had an 18' lateen rigged flat-bottomed, long keel, double ended, decked over weekender with a 5hp Kermath. It had a standing well aft, and I pitched a pup tent on deck. They loved it in Tarpon Springs!  

Code: I had a 20' motorsailer with a 15hp yanmar diesel....700 mile range under power. thanks for different kind of examples. they are both nice. but i am espacially interested in coastal cruisers. please send more examples. doug lord, that sounds nice. what was the model of your boat? cheers  

urisvan said: ↑ Code: I had a 20' motorsailer with a 15hp yanmar diesel....700 mile range under power. thanks for different kind of examples. they are both nice. but i am espacially interested in coastal cruisers. please send more examples. doug lord, that sounds nice. what was the model of your boat? cheers Click to expand...

thanks, what i had in my mind is a sailboat, capable of going in heavy seas, maybe not in the ocean, but in agean sea, where there are high winds sometimes(not very big waves).  

look at something like the smaller Lombardini 2 cyl inboard marinised engines - fairly light and seem quite popular in Europe.... 500cc and 700cc diesels....  

mattotoole Senior Member

I've read that a few Cape Dory Typhoons came with inboards, but I've never seen one. Can anyone confirm (or deny) this?  

PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

A Flica, would fit your request nicely. 20' on deck, standing headroom (5' 11"), 8' beam, 3' 3" draft and displaces about 3 tons. A good little sea boat by Pacific Seacraft She's rough water capable and would be fairly comfortable, considering how short she is.  

Hey, that is quite cute....  

peterBUILT New Member

Look at: International Folk Boat, or Cheoy Lee Frisco flyier.  

keith66 Senior Member

Or there is the Anderson 22, Oliver Lee design, fast & seaworthy with lifting keel, mine has an RCA Dolphin 12 HP petrol inboard thats like having a smooth turbine under the deck. http://anderson22class.co.uk/  

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JotM Junior Member

In order to round up some more ideas to chew on: the North Beach 24 or the Wadkrabber Both a bit longer, but able seaboats. If I turn back to the original question, which I interpreted like "is there a minimum size for a boat to carry an inboard engine?", as a mechanical engineer I would say "No". One could probably use the smallest air cooled single cylinder diesel engines (like e.g. the Lombardini 15LD225, the Mitsubishi L2E or the Yanmar L48V) fitted out for a marine environment. At a weight of 25-35 kg you should even be able to mount that in a small beachboat. (with a max. power < 5 HP your boat shouldn't be a whole lot bigger ) Cheers.  

Can someone help me identify this 1977, 7.7m sailboat in Europe?

fishing sailboat

Sailboat Design and Operation and Improvements to

Rowboat->sailboat conversion

Identify sailboat designer/builder?

1950's Raven sailboat (Cold molded hull questions)

Help me find a boat: 26ft planing centerboard wood sailboat?

Re-rigging a small sailboat (Luger Southwind 21 to Catalina 22)

Design refinement in small sailboats that aren't raced?

Trailable canal sailboat?

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Better Sailing

Best and Most Reliable Marine Engines for Boats

Marine engines are the vessel’s beating heart. They produce hot water and the electricity required to spin radars, grind winches, and pull anchors. Modern marine engines are small and dependable, but they only run for a few hours at a time, which can lead to ‘standing’ issues. A typical boat will only log roughly 30 engine hours every season, which is less than your diesel car will do in a fortnight. In addition, it is rare for a marine engine to get damaged. However, they tend to corrode and need proper maintenance. It’s rare these days to come across a bad-quality marine engine. In this article, I will give some information about marine engines as well as which ones are the most reliable for sailboats. Follow me!

Characteristics of Marine Engines for Boats and Sailboats

Because the market for new marine engines is so small in comparison to car engines, there aren’t so many companies that design engines with less than 300 horsepower from the ground up. Bukh, Yanmar, and Steyr are notable companies, as they build their own basic engines using in-house components. The others are tried-and-true industrial or automotive blocks from Kubota, Mitsubishi, Volvo, and Toyota that have been ‘dressed’ with a marinized cooling system to enable them to run afloat. The quality of the marinization will have a significant impact on the engine’s reliability.

If you’re looking for the best reliable marine engines then you’re either buying a new boat and need to choose an engine, or you want to replace or enhance the one you have. In either case, you’ll be investing not only in the engine but also in its continued role in your enjoyment and safety. This means you should seek features like quick start-up, quiet operation, outstanding fuel economy, total dependability, and low-cost spares and maintenance.

Engine Power

Any motor (inboard or outboard) installed on a sailboat is an important tool that aids maneuvering. Although some competent sailors can sail efficiently without the use of power, many harbors have regulations that either prohibit the use of full sails or simply don’t allow for enough maneuvering space. And, note that docking is becoming easier with a motor that has both forward and reverse gears. While there is no exact relationship between boat length and total weight there is a general rule of thumb. For boats, up to 20ft 1-4 horsepower is a must while for boats between 20 and 30ft, 4-18 horsepower is great. Also, for boats between 30 and 40ft, the 18-34 horsepower is the way to go.

Keep in mind that in order to get your boat moving, you just need a small amount of power . However, when you’re dealing with fast currents, waves, and strong headwinds, you’ll be glad you have plenty of reserve horsepower. You should allow 3 horsepower per tonne of displacement, or 1 horsepower per foot of waterline length, as a general rule. This is general guidance with many limitations, but boat manufacturers typically over-specify the engines so that they run at lower speeds and be more economical.

When determining how much horsepower you want, there are a few factors to consider. One of the most important criteria is your location and the type of conditions you intend to sail in . Heavy seas and strong winds, which are typical of open ocean sailing, may put extra strain on your engine and, in some situations, overpower it. But, a heavier-than-needed engine would add unneeded weight when racing. So, consider buying an engine that can withstand a lot of use if you plan on sailing long distances.

How Much HP Do you Need?

The amount of power you require is proportional to the displacement of your boat’s hull. So 1 HP every 550 lb displacement and 4 HP per 2200 lb displacement. The amount of horsepower required to reach the maximum hull speed is denoted by HP. This is in ideal circumstances. You must additionally account for propellor size if you want to get it exactly properly. So, you can divide the boat’s displacement (in lbs) by 550 to find the amount of horsepower in order to efficiently propel a sailboat. Note that for most sailboats, you don’t need more than 30HP.

Generally, you need more HP for catamarans and larger boats (regardless of size) that necessitate more power. Note that engine weight and an extra step of compression in a 4-stroke engine results in less output . You will also need more HP if you have a small propeller as it tends to displace less water. If you’re sailing in the ocean , cover large distances , and deal with rough weather you will need a more powerful engine. And, gas engines have a substantially lower compression rate than diesel engines.

On the other hand, you will need less HP if you have a single hull fiberglass sailboat and bigger props as they displace more water. If you’re an occasional sailor and cover small distances you will need less HP. In addition, 2-stroke engines that are lightweight and have higher torque require less HP. And, less HP for diesel engines because they have a bigger compression rate.

Engine Size

There are a few reasons why getting the appropriate engine size is important. First and foremost, smaller engines are less expensive , thus you save money on the engine. Second, smaller engines consume far less gasoline, resulting in cost savings. Finally, smaller engines are less expensive to maintain. However, there are a few benefits to upgrading to a larger engine. More control equals more power thus it’s easier to stop the boat, in case you need to.

A bigger boat doesn’t always imply having a bigger motor. Meaning that a small power plant can be more effective than a larger one, despite varying ratings for different classes of boats. An outboard motor, on the other hand, can easily overpower a small boat and produce dangerous situations at high speeds. In general, there are differences when it comes to the engines of sailboats and motorboats.

Your engine’s physical size is a crucial issue that is closely tied to the design of your boat. Note that the engine consists of three parts. The powerhead houses the engine. The exhaust system in the midsection and the lower unit submerges when in use.

When choosing a motor, the shaft length is an important design feature to consider. A propeller with a shaft that is too short will not submerge in water, but a shaft that is too long will stretch the propellers too far. This will not only reduce the efficiency of your engine, but it will also add extra drag. When comparing models, keep your transom length in mind. When not in use, an outboard motor should be stowed in the upright position. Some of the larger motors have an automated switch that allows them to be raised out of the water, but others must be secured manually.

Two-Stroke vs Four-Stroke Engine?

Outboard engines are either two-stroke or four-stroke, with the four-strokes gaining popularity in recent years for various reasons. They’re quieter, consume less gasoline, and operate cleaner . Each power stroke in a four-stroke engine causes the piston to reciprocate four times inside the cylinder. In other words, each time the fuel combusts. Engineers reduce the length of time the intake and exhaust valves are both open by carefully engineering the camshaft. This significantly reduces the amount of unburned gasoline that departs with the exhaust stream. What’s the end result? Emissions are reduced and there are cost savings.

However, in the five-horsepower category, four-stroke engines are around 20% heavier than two-stroke engines with the same horsepower. Four-stroke engines are also more expensive, although the enhanced technology may be well worth the extra expense. You’ll want a two-stroke engine if you’re trying to save weight and money. However, if you believe you can reduce weight in other ways, a clean, quiet four-stroke without the trouble of mixing fuel could be the solution. Manufacturers are also being pushed toward four-stroke engines by environmental laws . This is because emission control standards are met by four-stroke engines.

Marinization

The standard of marinization is a key role since corrosion kills engines faster than any other sort of misuse, including unclean fuel. The heat exchanger is the most important component here. When the temperature difference between the engine and the outside water is modest, as it is when cruising in the tropics, efficiency is critical. Meaning that you’ll want to use high-quality, corrosion-resistant components that won’t need to be replaced. When looking for a new engine, you should also ask to see the spare parts price list. It’s pointless to buy a low-cost engine if the impeller is going to set you back a small fortune.

Drive Train Considerations

It’s important to note that the drive train will have an impact on the efficiency of your engine. Some owners choose to totally reposition the engine during repowering to free up more space in the boat. Switching from shaft to saildrive is another possibility. Saildrives are popular because they are simple to install from the standpoint of the boat builder. The entire unit – engine and transmission – is dropped into a specially-made cradle that is glassed into the bilge through a single large hole in the hull. And, the sea is kept out by a big rubber gaiter. The propeller works at right angles to the water, so no thrust is lost downwards, making it more efficient than a typical shaft drive. As the drive is more forward, there is usually less ‘paddle wheel’ impact, but the less prop-wash effect on the more distant rudder.

Most Reliable Marine Engines for Boats

Caterpillar c12.9 marine diesel engine.

The C12.9 did successful testing in test cells when it comes to reliability. The engine passed over 13,000 endurance hours on the water and proved its efficiency and durability. This engine has a high power density, quick acceleration, and little noise. The C12.9 received great grades for minimal noise, fast transient response, and available power throughout its testing. The C12.9 is available in two power ratings: 850 mhp at 2,300 rpm and 1,000 mhp at 2,300 rpm, both electronically controlled.

Mercury 75/90/115

Mercury introduced a new 2.1-liter outboard engine in 75, 90, and 115 horsepower models in 2015. These engines have close to the greatest displacement in their class while maintaining a low weight. In fact, at 359 pounds, it weighs 40 pounds less than the older 1.7-liter Mercury models. These engines perform smoothly, and Mercury claims that 17,000 hours of testing went into designing these outboards.

Cummins QSB 6.7

In the sport-fishing industry, the new Cummins Quantum Series QSB 6.7 with 550 horsepower is the most popular output. Cummins concentrates on noise reduction and has achieved an 80 percent decrease at idle thanks to engineering changes in their high-pressure common-rail fuel system, which is based on an in-line six-cylinder block with a new 24-valve cylinder head. This also contributes significantly to the reduction of smoke. Walker AirSep air filters are now standard, and they’re designed to reduce noise at the turbos’ air intake. The QSB 6.7 is a Tier 3 compliant power plant with a dry weight of 1,450 pounds that can be used in a variety of applications.

Cummins QSL 9

Cummins QSL engines are designed and built to provide heavy-duty performance in a variety of industries. In addition, the QSL series has superior fuel economy, enhanced cold starting capability, and produces less noise than its predecessors. The QSL9-G5 is an air-cooled turbocharged engine that is currently produced in India. The 6 cylinder engine is available in 50 Hz or 60 Hz versions, making it a versatile engine. A common-rail fuel injection system enhances engine performance, and the engine has four valves per cylinder for increased power. Lastly, note that for long-distance cruising, the fuel efficiency is excellent.

Mercury 4-stroke 3.4L V-6 AND 4.6L V-8S

The engine is available in naturally aspirated versions with outputs ranging from 175 to 300 horsepower. These are the lightest versions in their class, with Adaptive Speed Control. This is in order to keep RPM independent of load or wave conditions. The V-6 was the first of these engines to be released in 2018, and the V8 followed quickly. Mercury began supercharging these engines in 2019 to generate new Verado variants with up to 400 horsepower, extending the line even further. It’s tough to say how well these will hold up over time, but early reports from customers indicate that the models have proven to be quite reliable.

MAN R6-730 & R6-800 

With the demand for compact, space-saving engines, MAN’s in-line six-cylinder engines with horsepower outputs of 730 hp and 800 hp at 2,300 rpm are among the best engines. The R6-730 generates 730 horsepower for quick acceleration from low revolutions per minute engine speeds. This is thanks to a common-rail fuel arrangement that produces maximum torque in the 1,200rpm range. The R6-730 has a tempting horsepower-to-weight ratio for both re-powers and new builds, weighing in at around 2,870 pounds. The R6-730 does not require an external after-treatment system to meet Tier 3 emission compliance due to proven optimization of the internal combustion system.

Volvo Penta D2-50 Diesel Engine

Between the 28hp D1 and the 50hp D2, which are available in both shaft and saildrive configurations, Volvo has an odd gap in their engine lineup. The 3,000rpm of the D2 marine diesel engines is very common for this power rating. Slower rotation produces less noise and vibration in general. An inline injection is used in both series, as is the MDI electronic interface, which has had reliability issues in the past. The interface, on the other hand, makes getting NMEA data out of the engine and into your instrument network a breeze. It also makes a wide variety of stylish remote displays available. The D2 engine, however, will not operate with Volvo’s ergonomic computerized controls. Only EVC marine diesel engines with common rail injection are compatible with them.

Volvo D13-900 

The Volvo D13-900 is an in-line six with 900 horsepower that can be utilized as a conventional drive package or in conjunction with an IPS pod-drive power unit. Volvo has certainly made an impact in the maritime sector with this technology, with over 17,000 IPS systems on the water. The D-13 has a strong block with ladder-frame construction, high-pressure unit injection, and twin turbochargers with charge-air coolers, weighing in at 3,439 pounds. Volvo’s electronic control system’s engine management combines low fuel consumption and emissions with reduced vibration and noise, exceeding Tier 3 regulations.

MTU 16 V 2000 M96 Diesel Engine

The M96 is a 16-cylinder V engine that produces 2,600 horsepower at 2,300 rpm and comes with a new fuel-injection system. It also has three sequential turbochargers for improved acceleration and fuel economy. The M96 is EPA and IMO Tier 3 compliant thanks to the company’s SCR in-engine exhaust-gas treatment. The M96 is a smokeless, silent power engine with reduced vibration that is managed electronically. With the recent debut of the 92 Viking, the 2,600 hp M96’s performance qualities stand out, with the enclosed bridge variant reaching a top-end speed of 36 knots.

Yanmar 3JH40

This very popular, award-winning engine debuted in 2018 with a power output of 40hp. Its main feature is Yanmar’s common rail injection system efficiently reduces smoke and odors to almost nothing. This is owing to the diesel fuel’s more complete combustion when injected under high pressure. It also spins at a low 3,000rpm, which makes it quieter and decreases vibration than faster-spinning engines. For its engines, Yanmar has created a set of digital controls. Meaning that the VC10 and VC20 electronic throttles send data to the network, such as engine load.

Beta Marine diesel engines are built on a sturdy Kubota block and offer low-cost and excellent performance. They have a unique red color and come with a variety of installation options. This makes them ideal for repowering in confined spaces. This is a typical mechanical engine with very little electrical gimmickry, despite the fact that the design is always being refined. For its size, it has a lot of mid-range torque. Although an NMEA2000 converter is available to transfer some engine data into the network, the typical control panels are firmly analog. Also, a new digital display panel with a standard loom input and NMEA 2000 output is now available. These are good engines that are sold all around the world since they are reliable, have a lot of spare parts, and are easy to service.

Caterpillar C8.7

Caterpillar introduces its new C8.7, a six-cylinder in-line engine that replaces the C9. The C8.7 produces 650 horsepower at 2,300 rpm and weighs 2,295 pounds dry. This is thanks to a new common-rail fuel-injection system and air system. To get the boat up to speed without lagging before the turbocharger engages, the new fuel system employs a radial belt-driven supercharger in conjunction with standard turbochargers. Once up to speed, the turbo takes over for boost, and the supercharger is disengaged by an electromagnetic clutch. While remaining EPA Tier 3 compliant, this redesign minimizes smoke and provides substantial low-end torque and fuel economy. The C8.7 is well-suited to conventional drives, but it’s also designed to work with Caterpillar’s recently announced pod propulsion systems.

Solé Mini-44

Solé provides a wide range of diesel marine engines, and the Mini-44 is great for boats with a length of 32 to 39ft. This is the company’s smallest four-cylinder engine, which offers quieter operation but higher fuel consumption at the highest speeds. Despite its 42 horsepower rating, it has a lesser capacity and must work harder to accomplish it. As a result, it performs better than 38hp models. It’s a fully mechanical engine that uses cam-driven indirect fuel injection to create adequate torque in the mid-range.

The Mini-44 is an extremely versatile engine with several variations, including saildrive fittings, and an astounding range of gears. The engine’s analog data can be converted into digital signals for your NMEA 2000 network using a very expensive converter. The control panel options, however, remain decidedly analog, despite their beautiful design.

The Bottom Line

While sailing does not necessitate the use of an engine, it is a practical addition that may substantially enhance your time on the sea. Being patient and spending time searching for reliable marine engines will not only help you make the right choice but will also allow you to take advantage of a good deal. The most important criterion is to go beyond the engine’s original cost and consider the cost of spare parts, convenience of access, and maintenance. In addition, you should look for the service regime and global network of dealers in order to pick the right marine engine for your sailboat. Lastly, note that it’s improbable that the expense of a new engine installation will ever be recouped in the resale value of a used boat. Instead, you’re making a long-term investment in your enjoyment and safety.

I hope that this article will help you choose the right marine engine for your sailboat. And, that you have now understood the specs of a reliable marine engine. Wish you all safe & pleasant voyages!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Inboard vs Outboard Engines: Understanding the Differences

When choosing the perfect boat, understanding the difference between inboard and outboard engines is essential. An engine is the boat’s power source, providing propulsion and maneuverability that affect the boating experience.

This article will discuss the differences between inboard and outboard engines and their advantages and disadvantages, helping you decide on your next boat purchase.

Inboard Engines

As the name implies, inboard engines are inside the boat’s hull. These engines are usually found on larger boats and provide a more center-balanced weight distribution. They are connected to the boat’s propeller via a transmission and drive shaft system.

Advantages of Inboard Engines

Improved Balance and Stability: As inboard engines are located in the center of the boat, they provide better weight distribution, resulting in improved stability and balance on the water.

Reduced Noise and Vibration: Inboard engines are well-insulated within the boat’s hull, reducing noise and vibration compared to their outboard counterparts.

Designed for Heavy-duty Use: Inboard engines are ideal for larger boats and are designed to handle heavy use, making them well-suited for commercial or long-distance applications.

Better Maneuverability: Inboard engines, when used with “V-drive” systems, provide improved maneuverability and handling, particularly in reverse.

Disadvantages of Inboard Engines

Complex Installation and Maintenance: Inboard engines can be more challenging to install and maintain due to their location within the hull. Additionally, they often require more space for the engine and transmission systems.

Higher Cost: Inboard engines are generally more expensive compared to outboard motors.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency:  Inboard engines are heavier and consume more fuel than outboard engines.

Outboard Engines

Outboard engines are mounted externally on the boat’s transom (the flat back part of the boat). These engines are popular on small boats, such as fishing and recreational vessels. They come in various sizes and horsepower options, making them versatile and customizable to the boat’s specific needs.

Advantages of Outboard Engines

Easy Installation and Maintenance: With their external positioning, outboard engines offer simple access for installation and maintenance tasks. It makes repairs and general upkeep more convenient.

Fuel Efficiency: Outboard engines are generally lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to inboard engines, making them an eco-friendly option.

Space Optimization: Outboard engines leave the interior of the boat free for storage or other uses by taking up minimal space. This could be beneficial for small boats with limited room.

Easy Replacement: Since outboard engines are easier to remove and install, updating or replacing the engine is a more straightforward process.

Shallower Draft:  Boats with outboard engines can navigate more shallow waters, as the motor can be tilted up, reducing the boat’s draft.

Disadvantages of Outboard Engines

Reduced Stability and Balance: As outboard engines are mounted externally, they can impact the boat’s balance and stability compared to inboard engines.

Increased Noise and Vibration: Outboard engines tend to produce more noise and vibration as they are not insulated within the boat’s hull.

Reduced Maneuverability: Outboard engines may provide a different level of maneuverability than inboard engines with V-drive systems.

The choice between inboard and outboard engines largely depends on the intended use and size of the boat. Inboard engines offer better stability and maneuverability for larger boats or those looking for a quieter, more comfortable cruising experience.

On the other hand, outboard engines provide a flexible, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain option for smaller boats that prioritize space optimization and shallow water capabilities. Understanding the differences between inboard and outboard engines will aid in your decision-making process and help you choose the best engine for your boating needs.

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We can repower your sports boat or yacht to get the most out of it. We specialise in the range of quiet, reliable and economical Beta Marine small engines, from 10hp up to 45hp and designed for smaller boats and yachts. We also provide a range of small engine parts and kits. For full engine guides and spares see the bottom of the page.

2 cylinder, naturally aspirated, diesel propulsion engine developing 10 bhp.

2 cylinder, naturally aspirated, diesel propulsion engine developing 13.5 bhp.

2 cylinder, naturally aspirated, diesel propulsion engine developing 16 bhp.

3 cylinder, naturally aspirated, diesel propulsion engine developing 20 bhp.

3 cylinder, naturally aspirated, diesel propulsion engine developing 25 bhp.

3 cylinder, naturally aspirated, diesel propulsion engine developing 30 bhp.

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Beta Marine has provided some helpful guides to assess which is the best engine for your boat, plus installation guide and spares lists.

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First drive with Mercury Marine’s electric Avator motors: A smooth, quiet ride (for small boats) [Video]

A major name in marine mobility is dipping its toe into all-electric motors – Mercury. The noted developer of marine technologies has launched its five initial outboards under its new Avator lineup of all-electric motors, and I got the chance to test each of them out in Charleston, South Carolina. Be sure to check out the video below to see just how quiet these electric motors truly are.

Mercury Marine is the propulsion-focused division of Brunswick Corporation and has been helping people move quickly and efficiently across the water for 85 years and counting. While a vast majority of the company’s past innovation and expertise lies in combustion boat engines, it has begun to research and develop all-electric options, and is starting small.

With five initial outboard options, Mercury’s new line of Avator all-electric outboard motors is not small in size but more so in stature. The company debuted the first entry in the Avator line in January 2023, beginning with the 7.5e —a small and nimble outboard designed for small vessels that can be installed as an all-in-one self-contained system, complete with a motor, battery pack, and electronics.

By August of 2023, Mercury announced two additional all-electric motors to the Avator line: The 20e and 35e . All three operate using nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells and add to a lineup of varying levels of power and range for small watercraft owners.

At CES 2024, Mercury announced the final two additions to its initial lineup of Avator outboards – the 75e and 110e – its two most powerful all-electric motors to date, complete with a new LiFePO4 battery chemistry. Just this week, the 75e and 110e officially launched , offering consumers even more zero-emissions power and modular battery capacity to boot.

However, while Mercury’s lineup of all-electric motors continues to grow, it still has a long way to go before its next-generation outboard technology can compete with the combustion variants it has specialized in for so long.

Mercury launches full lineup of electric onboard motors

With the launch of the electric 75e and 110e motors, Mercury’s originally announced lineup of Avator outboards is complete, and there’s a lot to be excited about. However, if you’re hoping to buy one and take it out on choppy ocean waters for an entire day, this technology just isn’t there yet.

Having spent over eight decades specializing in combustion engines, Mercury is admittedly new to the EV game. So, it has started slowly to ensure everything is right, and that’s just fine. As a result, the Avator lineup is young and very niche, catering to smaller boats you’d use for activities like fishing, short trips, and leisurely cruises on the pontoon.

The specs won’t blow you away on paper, as the top-tier 110e Avator only produces 15 hp. However, driving or riding on the vessels these Mercury electric motors were designed for is a treat and a great start in what I hope will be an ever-growing and innovating portfolio in the company’s future business model.

The two new models especially come with a built-in charger onboard, available in 520- and 1,040-watt options. This makes charging at any dock or marina with an AC plug handy, but the rates will need to be improved. For example, the two packs on the 110e system take about 10 hours to recharge to get about an hour on the water at full throttle (those rates obviously change due to several factors, which I outline in my video below).

What’s cool is that customers can opt to add more Mercury battery packs to their system for more range, like four instead of two on the 110e pontoon I captained. Still, the batteries remain bulky and relatively heavy, so unless you own a barge, integrating the system and multiple packs into your boat might be tough right now. It all depends on the vessel.

To get a better idea of just what these electric outboards can deliver, check out the performance specs for each model from Mercury below:

My first impression of the Avator models is just how smooth, quiet, and functional they are. As you’ll notice in my video below, Mercury’s outboards emit over 50% less noise pollution than their combustion counterparts, and throttling up or down on one feels so subtle and natural that you might not even notice you were moving if you weren’t looking at the water.

Most of the noise comes from the motor’s wake, which isn’t that large since these outboards sit on the lowest end of available horsepower in the segment. These are perfect motors for casual cruising that complement the serene experience of time out on the water.

Instead of rattling, vibrations, and nasty fumes, all you are left with is the calm hum of the motor (which you only notice at full bore), the splash of the wake at the stern, and the fountain-like sounds of the water lapping as you carve through it. It’s quite relaxing.

Another tremendous advantage I noticed is the ability of Mercury’s electric motors to turn easily and sharply without any jarring or swaying as a passenger. The lower speeds help, but even at full throttle, the turn radius of any Avator-equipped boat was spectacular.

The Mercury display screen on the helm offers drivers all the necessary metrics when out on the water, including kW usage, battery life, and estimated range remaining. The limited range on the display when in full throttle is a little off-putting at first, but it’s amazing how much further you can travel if you reel the throttle back to just 75%. Again, these motors are perfect for slow, leisurely cruises.

Overall, I think the Avator lineup is an excellent start, and I applaud Brunswick and Mercury for exploring all-electric propulsion technology without half-assing it. Would I have liked to see more power, range, and charging speeds? Yes, always.

But this isn’t an EV OEM, and Mercury knows it’s wading into uncharted waters. Its team is still cutting its teeth on this nascent but growing segment and, from what I hear, has plenty of plans to improve it in the future; it’s just going to take a lot of R&D, trial and error, and I’m sure plenty of boat owners with dual 300 hp two stroke engines talking smack before Mercury delivers some outboards that can genuinely compete with their ICE counterparts.

I’m looking forward to that future and plan to follow Mercury’s progress every step of the way. For now, here’s video footage of my experience riding and operating the Avator lineup of electric outboard motors. Enjoy!

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Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

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