I/O vs Outboard

[morrisy18]

I am looking at buying a boat soon and it is coming down to a boat the has a 1993 3.0L I/O and another boat with a 1993 140hp Johnson outboard. I am not sure what brand engine the I/O is. But I was wondering is one better than the other? Is one easier to service than the other? Also what do you have to have serviced routinely on either and what are the approximate costs to service? Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Mike<br />Phoenix, AZ

 

[DJ]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

Mike,<br /><br />I am also in Phoenix. This is an I/O market.<br /><br />With that said, the decision would be, for me, the outboard.<br /><br />The performance comparison between a 140 hp. outboard and a 135 hp inboard is not much of one. The outboard will outperform the I/O in every catagory. A better comparison would be a V-6 (4.3L) I/O to the 140 outboard.<br /><br />The outboard, I am assuming it's a four stroke, will also have a much greater resale value than a base model I/O would. <br /><br />In my opinion, the outboard is also easier to maintain, has better shallow water ability and is lighter.

 

[bernieb]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

Having owned a i/o for 7 years I can say, boy did I love that inboard engine,a 350/260 hp chevy and boy did that outdrive almost drive me into divorce court.The newer outboards are more fuel efficient,maybe somebody here can give the year when that started taking place.Go outboard!

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

I would say go for the outboard if the boat is what you want it will be faster and lighter than the i/o and use less fuel.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

....and easier and cheeper to but parts and to repair yourself when it comes time for routine maitanence(sp).... when you work on your outboard, its ALL RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU... your inboard is, well its in board, try changing plugs on that johnson, then go change plugs on a minivan...which ones easier

 

[ZmOz]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

Originally posted by bernieb:<br /> Having owned a i/o for 7 years I can say, boy did I love that inboard engine,a 350/260 hp chevy and boy did that outdrive almost drive me into divorce court.The newer outboards are more fuel efficient,maybe somebody here can give the year when that started taking place.Go outboard!

Yes, I would take an inboard 350 over the 140hp outboard, but that's not a choice. The 3.0 liter does not compare to the outboard, nor a large inboard. I wouldn't have a car with a 3.0 engine...I certainly would never have a boat with one!

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

I'd be curious to know how many 3.0's are out there! I agree that a two stroke 140 outboard is way faster, noisier, smellier, hungrier on gas, and shakes, rumbles and putt-putts more at idle.<br /><br />I love my 3.0 amidst all the 3.0 bashing on this site. My 16 ft bowrider has tons of seating space too. I use the engine cover as a table or place to put my tackle box when fishing. The ladder at the back is great for the in and out of your boat when swimming. Also, I rest our water tube on top of the back of the boat when not in use(try doing that with an outboard.) <br /><br />Your choice ultimately rests with what you want in a boat. I wanted the clean look of the inboard, the smooth trolling, the gas savings, and the quiet ride. (You have to strain your ear to hear the engine at idle.) <br /><br />We do a lot of tubing and just went out yesterday to try our new 3 seater Seadoo tube. It really ripped around the three riders and I had to keep the throttle down or I would have thrown all three riders. The fact that I do not have a motor smack where I would place my tow rope is another great feature.<br /><br />All to say, it depends what you will do with your boat. For family and fun use, I love my little inboard.

 

[kd6nem]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

On the other hand, an outboard generally leaves more room for people to move around inside the boat. Fuel leaks are not nearly as dangerous with an outboard. (An ounce of prevention is worth 100 pounds of cure in either case) External fuel tanks often used with outboards seldom give any problems and are easily resolved when they occur. Internal tanks don't often have problems but can be a nightmare when they do occur. Leaks in the outdrive will never happen (per se) with an outboard, but can and do happen with I/O's, and can sink your boat. Again, an ounce of prevention...

 

[ZmOz]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

Originally posted by cobra 3.0:<br />(You have to strain your ear to hear the engine at idle.)

I can barely hear my 150hp outboard at idle. That's a 30 year old inline 6. I don't know much about the particular outboard we're talking about here, but I'd be willing to bet it's alot quieter than mine. Mine is a bit noisy at WOT, but I LOVE the sound it makes when it's screamin' along...

 

[Mercathode]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

morrisy<br />No doubt the 140 outboard will have more power because of the power to weight ratio. You may find that the cheaper price of the I/O may make it more appealing. I have had many years of great service with outboards but after my last purchase 95 Four Winns 190 with a 190 OMC/Volvo I/O I don't know if I will ever go back to outboards. It has been a great rig!

 

[Richok]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

Morrisy18 something else you may want to consider. Are you going to run it during the winter months. Outboard is self draining, inboard aren't. I have never owned an inboard because I run mine in the winter. I have friends that have them and love them.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

I owned a 3.0 mercruiser and was never happy with the power. Struggled to plane with a full load or pulling a big slalom skier. I am suprised that they still make one that small. Perhaps Mercury got a deal from GM on all the leftover blocks and parts for that motor. Resale of a boat with a 3.0 is terrible. I now own a 125 Mariner that will run circles around the same boat with the 3.0.

 

[Richok]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

Quantumleap, Mercury probably did get a good deal. Don't know if you know it or not but GM own Mercury.<br /><br />GM 25 year +

 

[quantumleap]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

Actually Brunswick Recreation owns Mercury along with a large amount of boat brands.