Albin Vega

[Paul J. Nolan]

The market values an inboard diesel highly. For instance Catalina 27s with outboard power generally have asking prices from $3,500 to $7,000. The same boats with inboard diesel power ask $10,000 to $12,000.

Myself, I would much prefer the simplicity of outboard power. A boat with a blown engine in my view represents a real buying opportunity.

P

[Don C L]

My own boat, somewhat similar to the Vega, was not built to accommodate an inboard, but had room for a seagull outboard in a well. Needless to say I am not using that. The former owner, an engineer, built a nice hoist for the outboard and it works fairly well. I don't have too much trouble with it coming out of the water. I am one of the few weird ones who likes not having an inboard with through-hulls, noise, smell, maintenance; though they are very convenient I confess. In our (smaller) boats, the more space inside you can get, the better, especially for cruising! I do not like the look, and weight aft, of the outboard hanging on the transom but it is a necessary evil. Would the boat be worth more with a good working inboard, yes. Me, I am fine with my set-up, because if there is any wind, the engine is up, clear of the water and I am sailing.