Inboard or Outboard

boatgrunt

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 28, 2005
Messages
285
Per my last post, I am purchasing a new boat. I want to fish (fresh and salt), cruise ocean and lakes with my family (maybe overnight so also want cabin), waterski and tube. As a result, I searched for a post-1991 cuddy cabin with I/O, reputable boat and engine manufacturer, between 20-25', and within my approx. 10,000 budget. <br /><br />I wanted to make sure that in my rush, I do not make a bad decision. Specifically, I was wondering if I should reconsider outboards since I have been disappointed with the lost space due to the I/O. Also, I'm thinking that for the long term, I may want a boat with less vinyl. I'm all about durability, not show. Opinions? <br /><br /><br />Here are my finalists: <br /><br /> http://boston.craigslist.org/boa/167807113.html <br /><br /> http://boston.craigslist.org/boa/167733963.html <br /><br /> http://boston.craigslist.org/boa/167551729.html <br /><br /> http://boston.craigslist.org/boa/168424834.html
 

cobra 3.0

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
1,797
Re: Inboard or Outboard

An outboard is less mainentance...especially in salt.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,145
Re: Inboard or Outboard

Boatgrunt, If you plan to trailer and launch a lot, the lighter weight of the outboard makes that a lot easier. Also, if you choose a boat under 23', it is likely theat the I/O will have a motor box in the cockpit. They take up a lot of room in comparison to the OB. If you choose a boat over 24', the I/O motor is likely under the deck, giving you more space. A 24'+ boat is not a delight to launch and tow.
 

boatgrunt

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 28, 2005
Messages
285
Re: Inboard or Outboard

i've heard that too but aren't they raw water cooled? If so, wouldn't they have the same corrosion problems as a raw water cooled I/O?
 

KaGee

Admiral
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
7,069
Re: Inboard or Outboard

But equally as expensive to repair if not more so. I don't live in a salt area, so I am not qualified to verify what Cobra said. To me though, logic would be that anything in salt is going to need more maintenance, not less.
 

rojoc

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2005
Messages
103
Re: Inboard or Outboard

All good valid reasoning. My big concern with an outboard is, most are two cycle (oil gas mix) and if, god forbid, the engine dies, I can fool with an i/o. I can't with and outboard. Good luck
 

BrianS.

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 9, 2006
Messages
260
Re: Inboard or Outboard

Wow, I wish that Cris Craft was local to me, I'd grab that in a heartbeat.
 

boatgrunt

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 28, 2005
Messages
285
Re: Inboard or Outboard

just found out the chris craft doesn't have a trailer...totally blows!!
 
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