Editing Outboard motor (section)

==Advantages and disadvantages==
Large ships, boats and yachts will inevitably have inboard engines. Medium size vessels may have either inboards or outboards, and small vessels rarely have inboard motors. If one has a choice, these factors should be noted:
* Inboard engines are almost invariable diesel, allowing ruggedness, reliability and fuel economy. The very few outboards that are diesels tend to be large heavy items, suitable for workboats and very large [[Rigid inflatable boat|RIB]]s. Diesel outboards are rarely found on leisure craft.
* Outboards may be easily removed from the vessel for safe-keeping and servicing. They are also vulnerable to theft (a risk rarely suffered by inboard engines).
* Outboards are cheaper and lighter than inboards. They are often fitted to [[cruising yacht|cruising]] yachts. Cruising catamarans up to around 10 metres [[Length overall|LOA]] frequently have a petrol longshaft engine with a propeller that is larger and slower-turning than other types.
* Catamarans that have an engine for each hull (to aid manoeverability) tend to have twin inboards, as twin outboards might interfere with rudder arrangements.
* While inboards may be mounted in a optimum position for balance, outboards must be mounted on (or shortly ahead of) the transom. This  means that a significant weight is at the aft end of the boat, and this must be taken into consideration.