outboard or I/O

[machicj]

I'm going to buy a new boat. What are the pro's and con's of outboard motors? I/O'S ? Thanks

 

[KCook]

Re: outboard or I/O

There are several types of boats. But in most cases any one type of boat comes with only one type of motor/drive. It's kind of rare to get the choice between OB or I/O. Except with larger aluminum fishing boats and pontoons. Here is another thread on the differences - The I/O vs. Outboard Thread <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: outboard or I/O

Anything beyond a pontoon or fishing boat I think the I/O is the way to go.

 

[jtexas]

Re: outboard or I/O

Welcome to the board! <br /><br />Here's a couple ideas:<br />If you're going to be fishing for bass or crappie you may need to enter shallow water, 18 inches or less. In that case an I/O won't work for you - you can't raise the outdrive high enough.<br /><br />If you're mostly skiing, a big 'ol motor hanging off the stern can get in the way sometimes.<br /><br />I've always thought that outboards just look really cool. Don't know why.<br /><br />I'm jealous - shopping for a new boat is about the most fun a grownup can have outside the bedroom!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: outboard or I/O

agree with the others. if you really want good advice, provide more info on what type of boat, size, and uses. you'll get better info.

 

[machicj]

Re: outboard or I/O

thanks for the welcome. i will be using the boat mostly for fishing in Lake Erie. i want something thats easy to trailer and handle so i'm thinking around a 17-18 footer. (i have a 1994 villager van as a "puller" so i can't go to big.) from what i'm reading it sounds like the outboard might be the way to go. I/O's sound like alot more work and costs. thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: outboard or I/O

If you are going to do most of your boating on Lake Erie I recommend that you get the biggest boat your vehicle can tow. There is a huge difference in comfort and safety in exposed water between a 17 and 19'er. An outboard weighs considerably less than an I/O of the same power allowing you to get a bigger boat.<br /><br />Find out the max weight your vehicle can safely pull and go from there. Throw into the pile of stuff to consider the distance you will have to tow and the terrain. For example I pull a 23'er with an Explorer in flat south Florida for distances usually less than 40 miles. I would not consider this combo in an area where there were hills or where I had to travel a long distance.

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: outboard or I/O

I too have an intereset in this topic.<br />When comparing the 2 (the Outboard being a 2 stroke), what are opinions on:<br /><br />repairs and maintanance with regard to: <br /><br />1. cost of parts, <br />2 time taken, and <br />3. ease of carrying out these tasks. <br /><br />My employee is a motor mechanic.<br />He believes a 2 stroke Outboard is the better when taking in to account the above 3.<br /><br />What does your experience tell you.<br />Your advice is appreciated.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: outboard or I/O

I've just gone through the process of the maintanence cost re: outboard v I/O. Decided on an outboard. Merc. 50HP EFI 4stroke. I was quite surprised at how cheap (compared to my 302w &270VP) it is to service. Don't know about the 2strokes though.<br /><br />Good to see you posting again Phil.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[POINTER94]

Re: outboard or I/O

Two strokes are a lesser choice when trolling. The smoke and vibration can be annoying. Much easier to work on though. Weight to HP is good as well.<br /><br />Your limiting factor is the minivan. Not a whole lot of power there unless you live within a couple of miles of the lake. I have had I/O's and outboards and the I/O is my choice. Smooth quiet, and the service is only slightly more than on an outboard. It affords you a swim platform as well. <br /><br />Please don't be offended but your van will limit your boating possiblities greatly. Any shot at a permanent slip?

 

[machicj]

Re: outboard or I/O

POINTER94, i only live 13mi. from the lake. i do know bigger is better especially on Lake Erie. Dockage is pretty expensive. If I buy a bigger boat, than I'll have to buy something bigger to pull it with.($$$$$. I'm really considering a 20 footer with an I/O. The slip is looking better to me now. Thanks for the insight.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: outboard or I/O

Machicj's opening comment:<br /><br />

I'm going to buy a new boat.

... About the nicest words a man can utter!<br />First words I said when I was born!

 

[jtexas]

Re: outboard or I/O

Take this advice: find an active Mercury owner's forum & see what you can find out about towing peculiarities & extra mainenance or whatever on your vehicle. especially the transmission and the brakes. www.ford-trucks.com is an excellent Ford owners' site, but I don't know how much Villager stuff you'll find there.<br /><br />have fun!

 

[bossee]

Re: outboard or I/O

Hi,<br />I have a bowrider and a 4-stroke (115 hp) and I can easily use an ordinary car and trailer for this boat.<br />It is no problem fishing from my bowrider but You want probably as much free space on the floor/deck if You fish much.<br />My boat is 19 ft. You can have a look at it here if You want, it is on my last trip before winterizing it:<br /><br /> My boat <br /><br />The boat is made in Finland (I live in Sweden) .The boat maker Yamarin sell only in Europe as far as I know.<br /> http://www.yamarin.com/index.cfm?ChangeSetNow=5 <br /><br />An aluminium boat can probably be a good choice if weight is a concern since they are usually lighter that glasfiber/polyester boats.<br />We have some nice boats here in my country (but made in Finland) but they are not sold in US. It is Buster boats and Silver boats.<br /> http://www.busterboats.fi/en/ <br />Buster Magnum and XL for example are very nice boats.<br /><br /> http://www.silverboats.fi/sivu1.htm <br />No site in english, but Shark Walkaround (WA) is a rather large and light aluminium boat (some pictures is there if klicking on "Shark WA")<br /><br />Hope You get some idea what might suit Your needs.<br /><br />Good luck!<br />/Bo

 

[dy168]

Re: outboard or I/O

I think its cheaper to fix an outboard engine than an inboard. Outboard engine is much more easier to access than inboard.

 

[playinghooky]

Re: outboard or I/O

I own a 1993 Villager, a 19' 4Winns with an I/O and a 17 foot Outboard (Whaler) so I guess I can give you some insight. I've towed the 4Winns with the Villager for years with no real trouble. Some of the ramps are a little tough to get out of with the front wheel drive. Sometimes I have to have my wife sit in the passenger seat to add more weight to the front wheels when pulling out of the ramp. The Villager has a towing capacity of 3500 lbs with the tow package or 2000 lbs if you don't have it. At one time I checked into what was in the tow package to make the difference and there really wasn't anything that would increase the capacity, just a heavier duty battery and a full size spare tire rather than the dounut. I don't have the tow package but the 4Winns with the trailer is around about 3,000 lbs total and I never had a problem. The Villager tows the 17' whaler like it's not even there. Never a problem at the ramp. As to whether to buy an outboard or an I/O is a personal prefernce but I feel the outboard is better suited for fishing and the I/O is better for cruising around. Outboards take up less space in the back of the boat because you don't have that big motor box back there. Outboards are better for saltwater but since you'll be in fresh water that doesn't matter. Outboards are easier to winterize for winter storage but other than that there's not a whole lot more work on the I/O other than changing the oil once a year. The choice is yours. Whichever you choose, enjoy!