I/O 3.0L vs outboard 4 sroke..HELP!

[chainboater]

Hi - We are looking at a few used pontoons and found a real nice 27 Suntracker with a 3.0L I/O. We havent really seen very many I/O's out there and are just wondering how they compare to the four stroke. We tested out a 2 stroke last night and did not like the noise level at all. Definetely worth the extra $$ for the 4 stroke. Is the in-out way more costly to winterize? It will be used on a fresh water lake that gets shallow in the channells. It will be pulled out from October to May. Be glad for any input! Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: I/O 3.0L vs outboard 4 sroke..HELP!

My choice would definitely be outboard. . .EFI 4 stroke or Evinrude etec, which is quieter than other 2 strokes.

I don't like I/Os because of the cockpit room they take away and the difficulty in doing major service on them.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I/O 3.0L vs outboard 4 sroke..HELP!

I/o's have a host of components that if neglected can get expensive in a hurry. Gimble bearings, bellows that leak, couplers, two water pumps to name just a few. Then there are oil and filter changes, the possibility of exhaust manifold cracks and leaks and water injestion into the engine causing it to hydrolock all because of improper winterization. The starters are located at the lowest point on the engine so they are subjected to awful amounts of moisture and are often nearly impossible to reach unless you have universal joints in your arms and hands. With an outboard you can stand along side it and service it. I/O's are also heavy. Do not overlook the Evinrude E-tec when you compare outboards.

 

[steelespike]

Re: I/O 3.0L vs outboard 4 sroke..HELP!

Definately take a look at the Etec.2 stroke.
4 stroke outboards also have many of the service requirememts of the I/O.
The I/O also generally is difficult to keep in a straight line at no wake speeds.And even with their brute power can be slow out of the hole.
If you look in the prop section you will notice there is a high percentage of
I/O prop questions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: I/O 3.0L vs outboard 4 sroke..HELP!

etec or 4 stroke.

 

[ironhorse]

Re: I/O 3.0L vs outboard 4 sroke..HELP!

what year the etec come out? i was looking at a 115 evinrude with low hrs that a good engine?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: I/O 3.0L vs outboard 4 sroke..HELP!

Outboard for sure and etec for lower noise if that is important.