I/O characteristics?

M

mellowyellow

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have always ran OB's my whole life, but looking<br />at a boat with a 120 merc i/o and had few ?'s...<br />outboards love to run at WOT, I/O's same?<br />big outboards don't like trolling for long time,<br />same with I/O's?<br />big diff. in fuel economy btw wot and 3/4 on ob,<br />same with I/O's?<br />curious,<br />M.Y.
 
WillyBWright

WillyBWright

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Re: I/O characteristics?

The power curve above 3/4 throttle starts to level off with a stern drive where it continues to peak with a 2-stroke outboard. With a sterndrive, you gain little speed above 3/4 throttle but suck a lot more gas. You can idle around with it all day long, but you have to open it up once in awhile to chase out the carbon. Overall gas mileage is about the same, but the stern drive should edge-out a conventional 2-stroke outboard. A 120Hp outboard would probably turn a few extra mph compared to a 120Hp sterndrive.
 
M

mellowyellow

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Re: I/O characteristics?

thanks willy.<br />M.Y.<br />ps, thanks for professional help in merc ob section :)
 
W

wheels4

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Dec 21, 2001
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Re: I/O characteristics?

I agree with Willy I fish off montauk and leave my sterndrive running all day.(mostly in neutral)There is never a problem with loading up or fouling plugs like with a 2stroke.
 
D

djvan

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May 3, 2003
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Re: I/O characteristics?

I have a 140 merc cruise in a 16" four winns, while I like the set up my next boat will have a 4.3 liter or a small v-8. What size/weight boat is this? The 120 (in my opinion) will be marginal on a 16-17', and too small on anything larger. My 140 gets great mileage except when pulling tubers/skiiers.<br /><br />HTH's<br /><br />DougV>
 
D

Doug Durako

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Re: I/O characteristics?

Mellow----what are you going to use the boat for? If you are loading it up with people and gear and want to ski, look for a boat with more power. I/Os are heavy at the stern, which is great for cruising and a quiet ride, but you can lug that 120 hp down pretty quick.
 
M

mellowyellow

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Re: I/O characteristics?

thanks gang,<br />it's in a '76 starcraft islander 22' Al hull.<br />very light for a 22', 1085lbs I think? heck my<br />old 16' FG bowrider weighs 1050 without the<br />300lb motor. don't expect it to be a speed boat,<br />and I know it's "marginal" power, but it's a<br />good reliable motor, a 350 cut in half i think.<br /><br />here's another question: does the nada weight they<br />have listed INCLUDE the I/O? if it does, it would<br />make the hull 7-800lbs.<br />regards,<br />M.Y.
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: I/O characteristics?

"a 350 cut in half i think" <br />Naw, More like 1/2 a 305, Sort of....<br />I've got a 74, It came with the 140hp, 181cid... This motor has the 4" bore of the 350.....<br />2nd winter I had it I switched to a 4.3LX....<br />1100lbs. Sounds Awfully Light to be including the Driveline......
 
M

mellowyellow

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Re: I/O characteristics?

according to NADA site:<br />Length: 22' <br /> Model Name/Description: ISLANDER <br /> Boat Type: Stern Drive Power Boat <br /> Hull Material: Fiberglass (MISPRINT?) <br /> Beam: 7' 6" <br /> Engine: 1<br />185 HP<br />Gasoline <br /> Net Weight: 1,450 <br /><br />does net weight include the I/O?<br /><br />Bondo, you have any problems with leaky rivets?<br />thanks,<br />M.Y.
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: I/O characteristics?

"Bondo, you have any problems with leaky rivets?" <br /><br />On average I replace 1 or 2 a year.....<br />Waterproof Pop-Rivits....<br />Not that they loosen by them selfs, But Usually do to Damage..... Rocks,+ the like......
 
D

Doug Durako

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Re: I/O characteristics?

Mellow---go to pricedigests.com and look in the ABOS Marine Blue Book---pretty sure their weights include the drive train and the values are fairly accurate.<br /><br />More power allows you to plane the boat at less rpm--better fuel economy and longer engine/drive life.
 
D

Doug Durako

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Re: I/O characteristics?

sorry-----I have the books available and assumed the web site would be the same info. These are the books dealers and insurance companies use---if you know someone at either, look the boat up for a good idea of value. Also states the original MSRP cost in this book so you can check depreciation. Trailers are listed there also, plus an upgrade chart to tell you what horsepower upgrades are valued at.
 
D

Doug Durako

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Re: I/O characteristics?

Mellow---just a couple more personal observations from having several I/Os and outboards:<br /><br />Don't buy the I/O without a sea trial, unless the owner will give you your money back---you might not like the way it handles.<br /><br />I keep a 16-foot Landau metal jon boat with a 35-horse outboard for fishing and getting into the tight spots in shallow backwaters and rivers. An I/O is good for deepwater fishing, but can be difficult to maneuver in the shallows.
 
M

mellowyellow

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Re: I/O characteristics?

readin MY mind dd,<br />purpose of this boat is to go out of Oak Orchard<br />River into deep water of lake Ontario (300ft.).<br />not somewhere I feel comfortable in my 16' tri-<br />bowrider.<br />deff. need another boat for the erie canal across<br />the street, but 1 boat at a time if I gonna stay<br />married :p <br />13' whaler would b perfect down the road...
 
Lou C

Lou C

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Re: I/O characteristics?

See if you can find Lark 40 on here, he has a similar boat I think and can tell you about it.
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: I/O characteristics?

M.Y.,<br />You're looking at the Same boat I'm running Now....<br />You'll find None Safer, or more Secure Feeling... Super High Sides.. Very Dry ride..<br />I only see two draw-backs......<br />1) The 120hp is a Weak Motor... You won't get very far, very fast.....<br />2) The Starcraft Hulls are rather Flat... Very little Vee.... Mine rides Extremely Rough in a Head-Wind.....<br />I've been from Sackets Harbor better than 1/2 way to your house before...(that's Alot of Water)<br /> Always felt Totally Secure..... ;)
 
D

Doug Durako

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Re: I/O characteristics?

Mellow---blue book lists the 22-foot Starcraft Islander, 120hp, AL hull at a dry weight of 1,438 pounds. Ave. value in the 2003 market---$950.
 
M

mellowyellow

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Re: I/O characteristics?

thanks again guys!<br />so.... the 1400+lbs DOES include the I/O I guess.<br />pretty light hull considering the raised cuddy.<br /><br />closed the deal yesterday, and he is holding till<br />spring with a small deposit. since the NADA says<br />that the 1976 came with a 185hp, I am now totally<br />confused. is this still the "Iron Duke" I4cyl 2.5L<br />chevy motor? is the 120/140/165/185hp motors all<br />basically the 2.5L I4?<br /><br />Bondo, that's quite a trip from you to me! as u<br />know, lake ontario can be quite rough at times.<br />where did you end up? Sodus Point?<br /><br />thanks again for all the help!<br />M.Y.
 
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