What is the Pros & cons of a large outboard (or two) vs. the inboard motor (s)?

Just the facts:

Cost- a 250 hp Mercruiser I/O with an alpha drive is about $12,000, a 250 hp Optimax outboard is $17,500, and a Verado 250 hp is $20,000.

Maintenance: New outboards are far more complex than I/Os, and therefore are more costly to maintain.

Application: Most boats are designed either for an outboard or an I/0, but not usually for both. Some manufacturers will have a similar model for outboards and I/Os sharing a name, but the hulls will be configured differently.

Space: An outboard set up on an offset plate takes up no hull space, an I/O takes about 36" x 42" of space in the stern.

Fuel consumption: When similar boats are used in a similar manner, there is very little difference in fuel consumption. This varies a great deal with hull style and style of operation.

weight: 250 mercuiser- 975 lbs, 250 Optimax- 505 lbs, 250 Verado- 635 lbs.

Performance: Any outboard will absolutely walk all over an inboard of the same hp.

Lifespan: Usually, an inboard will outlast an outboard.

Hope this helps.

outboard costs less to buy and less to operate and maintain.