If you’re in the market for a new boat, you’ll have to first assess all the feature options available to you before deciding on which one to get. Among these features is the engine, which generally comes in two choices—inboard and outboard. Each engine type caters to specific needs or preferences of many boaters, offering advantages that the other option lacks. To help you choose between the two, here’s a look at how they stack up against each other.

What Are the Pros of Inboard Engines in Boats?

1. Better Fuel Economy

Inboard motors are typically mounted in the center or stowed inside the transom of boats, depending on the drive system. Because of this, the watercraft has less storage and interior space, a downside for some. However, that doesn’t diminish their popularity—inboard engines are preferred for their superior fuel efficiency. At trawler speeds, they can travel farther than their outboard counterparts on a gallon of fuel. With some motors boasting longer ranges, as much as 300 miles on a single trip, you can cruise longer without spending more on fuel.

2. Longer Lifespan

Most inboard motors boast of longer reliability than outboard engines. They can deliver up to 6,000 hours of boating time, which is more than the usual 2,500 to 3,000 hours from outboards. With routine maintenance and frequent inspections, the engine can last for 20 years at an average travel time of 300 hours a year.

3. More Stable

Since inboard engines are placed in the lower part of a watercraft, they make the boat more stable with a lowered center of gravity,  which makes it more efficient at cutting through rough ocean waves. With better weight distribution, it decreases the risk of the boat rolling at high speeds, resulting in improved handling and easier maneuverability on the water. The extra stability also makes them a safer option for water sports like wake boarding, wake surfing, or water skiing, or if you need to tow any equipment or other gear.

Learn more about the upsides of inboard engines in boats with the experts from Lewis Boats. With an extensive showroom in St. Peters, MO, they have an impressive selection of boats, pontoons, and other watercraft from top brands at the best rates. With their unwavering commitment, it’s no surprise they’re the preferred dealer in the area. Call (636) 949-9926 or visit them online.