Sea-ray with a Merc 850 V8 better than outboard?

[17winn]

a friend has a 80's Sea-ray with a merc 850(8..something) V-8. condition wise about same as mine. fair hull- fair to good trailer-bad interior. both have open bow. both 17+ ft. mine is a 4-winn's with a 115 Evinrude(needs starter). as a runabout family boat for occasional water ski, and considering maintinance- would the Sea-ray be a better boat? I can get it for around 1,000 dollars. ( and I'd have to get that from mine). any opinions on this? need to get back soon. thanks much Gene p.s my trailer is a drive on- sea ray not.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Sea-ray with a Merc 850 V8 better than outboard?

In a brief look through NAPA mercruiser parts book<br />I dont find an 850. The only 850 Merc outboard I can think of is an 85 hp. inline 6.<br /> If you are talking a mercruiser as far as<br />maintenance stick with the outboard.As far as power and economy go with an IO.

 

[17winn]

Re: Sea-ray with a Merc 850 V8 better than outboard?

thanks for input. my mistake..the merc is a 'inboard' where as my 4-winn's is a outboard. just looking for + and - on one verses other. the inboard merc appears to be V-8. mine is a outboard v-4 (115 Evinrude) thanks Gene

 

[Driftwood5831]

Re: Sea-ray with a Merc 850 V8 better than outboard?

Have asked the same question on which is better, I/O or outboard motors. Supposedly Outboards are better for getting the skier out of the water, and plane out faster. I/Os Are better on fuel, but as their is more weight in the back take longer to plane out. For Skiing that is.

 

[17winn]

Re: Sea-ray with a Merc 850 V8 better than outboard?

just want to say 'thanks'for the responses- it really does help in making my mind up. will ponder a bit longer yet. Gene