I have an outboard (9.9 hp 4 stroke Honda on a large bracket mounted by PO). And while I like my OB and I looked for an OB over an IB I have no regrets. BUT, maneuverability is NOT one of its strong suits. In Forward it pushes just fine. And the rudder is effective (when there is some way). But in reverse, the rudder is more of a useless stick in the cockpit. The motor overrides all the directional effort of the rudder. My practiced technique is to give large bursts of power in reverse and quickly switch into neutral to give the rudder some opportunity to work. This takes some practice to be effective.
In my mind the single reason to move to an outboard is to be cost effective over replacing an aging inboard. Joe McCary Aeolus II, West River, MD [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Philip J Agur Clearly the ship has already sailed on this one, but one should never swap to an outboard without great deliberation. Long time outboard owners (like me at one point) are always convinced that the outboard is more maneuverable than an inboard.
