21' Wellcraft excel i/o vs o/b

[Maxum21]

Hey guys, planning on going to check out 2 '96 21' excel bowriders this week and hopefully coming home with one of them. Both are 1996, both identical bowriders except one has a 150 evinrude 2stroke and the other a 5.0 volvo i/o.. Ive owned both i/o's and o/b's in the past and would be comfortable with either motor. so My question is which would be the better performer? I'm assuming the volvo has an extra 60 or so hp, but with added weight as well, so i would think the performance between the 2 would be in the same ball park.. would like to hear your opinions. thanks !

 

[the vision]

Re: 21' Wellcraft excel i/o vs o/b

With hp vs. weight should be close. Extra room in the cockpit from the outboard would be my choice. That would be if identically maintained and seaworthy.

 

[DC20]

Re: 21' Wellcraft excel i/o vs o/b

If they are saltwater boats I would rather have a 16 year old outboard then an I/O.
Also up North you have to winterize, so the outboard would be easier.
If you have a lot of shallow water, outboard.
Better check those out good for rot.

 

[Maxum21]

Re: 21' Wellcraft excel i/o vs o/b

yea i like the idea of more space with the o/b. both boats were used in both salt & fresh water. I dont plan on skiing, but some tubing & cruising with 4-5 people. do you think the 5.0 volvo would get the boat on plane easier with a full load of people since more torque etc? i'm expecting cruise speeds and top end to be close between the 2 boats.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: 21' Wellcraft excel i/o vs o/b

yea i like the idea of more space with the o/b. both boats were used in both salt & fresh water. I dont plan on skiing, but some tubing & cruising with 4-5 people. do you think the 5.0 volvo would get the boat on plane easier with a full load of people since more torque etc? i'm expecting cruise speeds and top end to be close between the 2 boats.

If you plan on tubing, where are you going to attach the tow line with an o/b? Wouldn't it be in the way unless you are going to mount a pole?

How much smoke/ stink is the o/b going to make? (2 cycle) That will get old real quick when you have people riding in the back. Just a thought

 

[Maxum21]

Re: 21' Wellcraft excel i/o vs o/b

the boat comes with a pole for a tow line. as far as the ob exhaust, well ive used fully synthetic oil in the past in my vro tank and it cuts down dramatically on the smell and smoke and was not an issue. my first priority between these 2 boats is performance and of course condition. i wont be able take 5 people along for a test ride to see how they perform.. so just trying to hear opinions before going to inspect them.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: 21' Wellcraft excel i/o vs o/b

The smell of two stroke oil burning is delicious and should never be listed as a con...

Anyway, I think the I/O would be a slightly better performer for all around use due to the extra torque of the 5.0 (this is a GM block volvo, right?)... But, I would personally go with the OB, all else being equal... The difference in performance is probably not that big to negate the advantages of outboard ownership.