More OBs in the ocean than the lakes?

[Chipster27]

After coming off a week long trip in the Caribbean I noticed that most of the working boats (rangers, shuttles, fishing boats) seemed to have OB engines, yet most of the boats on the river/lake have I/Os. Why is that?

[DeltaSigBoater]

SALTWATER
Its eaiser to replace an outboard than it is a outdrive.
Outboards are cheeper to buy than an IO
Outboards are cheeper to run.
Outboards don't weigh as much as an IO & engine.
You cant Tiller steer an IO.

[womba]

Fishing boats use Outboards so there is more room in the cockpit for fighting fish.

[SB]

Fishing boats use Outboards so there is more room in the cockpit for fighting fish.
All correct above.
Many saltwater fisherman tend to think of OBs as disposable. Much easier to remove and repair or replace.