I've been in both camps and have become partial to outboard pumps. One reason is what you mention, easy service when something clogs the intake. And that always happens with pumps in my epxerience, and it can pose a hazard under some conditions. I also like that you have more choices in what to power the boat with. And outboards are lighter and take up less space, on board especially. A light boat is an advantage for one-man use. I guess you can't get the efficiency of an inboard's three-stage pump, but I don't miss that, altho it's impressive to get a big boat up on step in 20 feet. I'm sure the advocates of inboards will offer additional reasons for that choice.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.