| Though they may not agree on all things, boat | | | | can tend to appear where an outboard motor fits |
| owners all share a love of the water and a dread | | | | onto the boat. |
| of anything happening to disable them in the | | | | The stern drive, likewise, has advantages and |
| water. Smart owners learn the basic functioning | | | | disadvantages. The inboard location of the engine |
| of their boat's engine, acquire an understanding of | | | | makes balance better, but the remainder of the |
| the maintenance required, and develop a sharp | | | | motor is on the outside of the boat so less space |
| eye to look for small problems before they | | | | is required. Stern drive motors are more |
| become big trouble. | | | | complicated than inboard or outboard motors and |
| There is not one single kind of boat engine. | | | | can therefore be more problematic. In addition, |
| Depending on your preference, you can choose | | | | there is the problem of many parts, such as |
| an inboard, an outboard, or a stern drive (inboard | | | | hoses and oil lines, being underwater, making it |
| outboard). All types of boat motors have three | | | | more difficult to check and repair them. Being |
| basic parts: the engine, the propeller, and the drive | | | | underwater, they are also subject to corrosion. |
| system. As you would expect, each type of | | | | In the end, its is up to the individual boat owner |
| motor has its own advantages and disadvantages. | | | | to weight the pros and cons before buying. A |
| An inboard motor rides in the center of the boat, | | | | reliable marine dealer will be able to help, but it |
| helping to maintain balance. The drawback is that | | | | always pays to do a little research and have a |
| it eats up interior space. An outboard motor is | | | | plan before you head out to buy a boat motor. A |
| lighter, and can sometimes be portable, but its | | | | little knowledge can help you make an informed |
| weight is enough that it can sometimes make the | | | | decision and help prevent being conned into buying |
| boat ride low in the water at the stern end. Leaks | | | | more motor than your boat needs. |