S2 7.9 Meter Class Association

I am considering buying a 7.9 and am getting different views about which is faster and better for Wednesday night racing....inboard diesel or outboard. If i buy an outboard I will not remove it from the transom for the race...too old or too lazy!

OK this is a bit of a tough question, and a good one.

My answer is "It probably depends". The best solution would likely be a standard shaft outboard on a mount which has the longest possible travel. However, if you sail in an area where there's pretty good chop, that won't work at all.

If you're racing handicap, the inboard is not a bad choice at all. Unless you're in an area like LIS where the majority of the season has very light breeze, a well-prepped IB with a good folding prop is a nice boat. This is especially true if your committee sets a fair number of triangle courses.

What do others think?

I will be sailing on Lake Michigan doing mostly windward / leward courses and both PHRF and against other 7.9 both outboard and inboards.

If it were me, I'd have to say outboard. The inboards are a bit of a pain to get parts for and repair. The outboards (due to the class) will generally have a far better resale value because more of racers want them.
After a time, I bet you'll end up doing class racing, in which case you can be assured you'll wish you had the outboard.

Plus, as small as the 7.9 is, if you're going to cruise the extra space under the companionway ladder is a wonderful place to stow a large cooler, a stereo, etc.

Also, with the outboard, you'll have a truly dry bilge most of the time.

If you get a movable mount with a motor that can kick and lock in the up position and has the long-shaft option, you'll be fine sailing with the motor on the transom.

The only drawback I've had with the outboard is the presence of it on the rear of the boat when you go to go swimming. In addition, when you trailor, you have to put the outboard inside the boat, where you won't need to touch the inboard.

Stick with an outboard. We raise and tilt our out of the water for Weds but don't take it off the stern. I think an outboard has wider appeal and the boat will hold its value better. It is also easier to service and store.