Is a boat equipped w/an I/O engine ok for consistant beaching?

[bfluhr]

Hi,<br /><br />First, even though I currently have a boat, I still consider myself a newbie when it comes to the boating scene so your help is appreciated!<br /><br />I am considering buying a new Sea Ray 180 sport with a 3.0L Alpha I MCM stern drive engine but have some concerns with purchasing an I/O equipped boat. Here's why: I currently have a Sea Ray Seville (whch is basically an older 180) with an outboard engine. The boat is moored on the shore in an area of Newport Harbor that gets a lot of traffic and there is a lot of seaweed and junk in the water. So, it is nice to be able to tilt the outboard prop out of the mess. Also, on a daily basis, as the tides changes the boat ultimately ends up on the sand, completely out of water.<br /><br />So, my questions are:<br /><br />1. What are the issues to be concerned about, if any, given the shore mooring surroundings in buying a boat with an I/O engine? <br /><br />2. Is there some kind of accessory that can be purchase to cover the prop and external drive when the boat is not in operation to keep it out of the muck?<br /><br />It is easy to say, just stick with the outboard motor as I know it works, but shopping around, I can get more boat for the money with the I/O engine...<br /><br />Any thoughts you may have on this are appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Brian

 

[Bayrider]

Re: Is a boat equipped w/an I/O engine ok for consistant beaching?

Hi Brian.If there is a trailoring switch on the throttle lever, then you should be able to get the drive up high enough for beaching.just remember to switch off the engine before you lift the drive.

 

[djvan]

Re: Is a boat equipped w/an I/O engine ok for consistant beaching?

I have an i/o mercruiser in a four winns. I don't deal with tides at all, but from what I've seen with "beaching" my boat I would want no part of allowing a tide to go out and leave my boat on the beach. It seems like that would put a quite alot of strain on the outdrive. Just my opinion, like I said no experience with the tides.<br /><br />HTH's<br /><br />DougV>

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: Is a boat equipped w/an I/O engine ok for consistant beaching?

I'm gonna be with dj on this, most of the time an i/o will not trim up enough to clear the bottom of the hull. so if you end up getting completely dry, a lot of weight will be on the drive. not a good idea.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Is a boat equipped w/an I/O engine ok for consistant beaching?

also Merc at least recommends leaving the drive down fully to keep bellows from wearing and let anodes work.

 

[bfluhr]

Re: Is a boat equipped w/an I/O engine ok for consistant beaching?

Thanks all for the fast responses. Your input is great. Now I need to get it through my thick skull of mine and make the right decision.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Is a boat equipped w/an I/O engine ok for consistant beaching?

My 3.0 Cobra trims more than high enough....like right out of the water. It also gets trailered with the drive up and there is no stress from having it up.<br /><br />You may need to change the bellows more frequently from having it up, but so what? <br /><br />I can't see any differences between an outdrive and I/O in this instance.<br /><br />However, I think I would prefer the outboard simply because maintenance may be less money for salt water use if your I/O is raw water cooled.

 

[djvan]

Re: Is a boat equipped w/an I/O engine ok for consistant beaching?

Maybe you could use a boat lift to get it out of the water all the time.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[notinbig]

Re: Is a boat equipped w/an I/O engine ok for consistant beaching?

Your fine, I beach my 18 foot larson with a 4.3 OMC <br />if I trim up and coast in it is up high enough, out of the water.<br /><br />Never a problem.Yet.