Which one to get?

I am sure this question has been asked many times, but I can't find it - So I figure get the debate starting again. Looking to buy my first boat, 21'-25'. We live in Northern California, so we have both fresh and salt water, but will probably do a lot of salt water and mainly for fishing. From what I have read there are conflicting opinions on both, mainly when it comes to cost of repairs, HP and winterizing it. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

I am sure this question has been asked many times, but I can't find it - So I figure get the debate starting again. Which is better, I/O or Outboard motor? Looking to buy my first boat, 21'-25'. We live in Northern California, so we have both fresh and salt water, but will probably do a lot of salt water and mainly for fishing. From what I have read there are conflicting opinions on both, mainly when it comes to cost of repairs, HP and winterizing it. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Welcome to iboats Biker!

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Welcome to iboats.

The outboards "tend" to have easier maintenance but are also the thirsty ones!

I merged and moved your posts into the correct area

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

I mostly agree with Bob on this, OB are easier to upgrade, too.

I doubt that EFI 4 stroke OBs are more thirsty than carbed pushrod I/Os, though. I would expect them to be more economical because of much more advanced technology.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

I too would prefer the OB, especially when you said you will be mostly in SW. Hard to make a cast iron device tolerate SW like the newer OB's can.

Lots of other reasons also, having had both types of drives. Fuel, 4 stroke is 4 stroke. Technology is technology....like my current truck engine doesn't have all the fancy valve timing and (which would make it even better) all that some have, but it is a 4.9L and I will put it up against any of the brand sporting 5.7L (had 3) that were built years ago in pulling power, high end performance, and MPG.

Mark

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

The I/O pluses are a better swim platform and sometimes better stern configuration overall.

I am troubled to find any other benefit to the average boater.

In most other regards, people tend to have a better boating experience with O/B's. O/B's changed the world -- both the modern and third world. I/O's? Meh.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

I think an OB center console would be perfect for you.
Will the boat be STORED in salt water? if so, definitely get an OB.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Wow stealthbiker, you got a lot of heavy hitters weighing in on your post. Congrats. You have lots of good info to start your search (and research) in the right direction.

To me, most of the differences between I/Os and OBs are fairly straight forward, like have been pointed out here. Although you didn't say slecifically, my guess is you will be keeping your boat on a trailer (as opposed to in salt water for significant length of time). If you're keeping it on a trailer, the salt water is less a factor.

What remains very confusing is so many varied opinions about fuel economy between I/Os and OBs. My guess is that its hard to compare apples to apples since the two types of engines are put on different types of boats. The good news (if you can call it that) is that fuels costs are just one element in the many costs of owning a boat.

What may be important for yiu to think about is the type of hull. Make sure you get one suitable for your salt water use (that is open water, waves).

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

I'm one of the guys that definately likes my IO or a Inboard for offshore. I don't like an open transom for offshore fishing, I like the secure feeling of a closed in transom. I also like the motor weight being farther forward than an outboard. Its also nice to be able to have a full swim platform for those non fishing days. I also like the looks of a full transom over a open outboard transom. I would also never own a bracketed boat. I like that I can work on my old school motor myself in the boat rather than hanging off the back if there is problems. Replacement of an I/O is much cheaper than replacement of a outboard. Outboards can get in your way while fishing.
Outboards are very reliable and are great for boats that are left in salt because you can get the drive system completly out of the water. Though salt air does come into play on any motor or outdrive when around saltwater.

Now, all that being said, I have owned and enjoyed outboard boats, just not my preferrance now. All the things I like are likely things that others hate. So it really does come down to what you like and are comfortable with for "YOUR" needs. If your on the west coast, maybe look for a cabin style or walkaround for the weather and sea conditions regardless of wether it is a outboard ,IO or inboard.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Other than a swim platform, I actually like the look of this style outboard. Solves some of the transom, safety and wrenching issues.




I am one of this guys that thinks this look is better than an I/O transom. Of course, it is a Contendor!

There is no right or wrong in terms of style and cc254 definitely highlighted the I/O differences.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Philster, I'm on my computer today and was just able to read your upside down signature. Very funny. Love it. To this point, I have always been reading your posts on my cell phone and couldn't make out what it said. And when I'd try to turn the phone upside down, the phone would flip the image back. lol

Sorry to hijack the thread briefly, but had to pass that on.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

chriscraft254 said:

I'm one of the guys that definately likes my IO or a Inboard for offshore. I don't like an open transom for offshore fishing, I like the secure feeling of a closed in transom. I also like the motor weight being farther forward than an outboard. Its also nice to be able to have a full swim platform for those non fishing days. I also like the looks of a full transom over a open outboard transom. I would also never own a bracketed boat. I like that I can work on my old school motor myself in the boat rather than hanging off the back if there is problems. Replacement of an I/O is much cheaper than replacement of a outboard. Outboards can get in your way while fishing.
Outboards are very reliable and are great for boats that are left in salt because you can get the drive system completly out of the water. Though salt air does come into play on any motor or outdrive when around saltwater.

Now, all that being said, I have owned and enjoyed outboard boats, just not my preferrance now. All the things I like are likely things that others hate. So it really does come down to what you like and are comfortable with for "YOUR" needs. If your on the west coast, maybe look for a cabin style or walkaround for the weather and sea conditions regardless of wether it is a outboard ,IO or inboard.

Click to expand...

We're definitely getting a walk around, but as for storing still not sure. We live on the marina, just don't have a dock, so its possible to rent a slip. I like the analogy earlier about asking which is better, I/O or outboard is like asking which of your kids you like better, each has it's own pro's and con's. Being new to buy a boat and to boating in general, just want to get some opinions. you know what they say about opinions, it's like nose's, everyone's got one (except for MJ). I appreciate the input y'all give. And thanks for putting my post in the right spot.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Philster said:

Other than a swim platform, I actually like the look of this style outboard. Solves some of the transom, safety and wrenching issues.

I am one of this guys that thinks this look is better than an I/O transom. Of course, it is a Contendor!

There is no right or wrong in terms of style and cc254 definitely highlighted the I/O differences.

Click to expand...

I'd trade mine in on that but it would have to be the fish around style. I think this is possibley my next boat if I can ever afford one.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

When it comes to repowering outboards win.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

The only advantage to an I/O is the lower center of gravity and maybe that if something does go wrong with the engine I'd rather be in the boat fixing it.
Maintenence is definately cheaper on an out board.
What I'm surprised nobody has mentioned is the one or two engines...
Going offshore I would definately want 2, I/O or outboard.
Just my 2cents.

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Part-time said:

The only advantage to an I/O is the lower center of gravity and maybe that if something does go wrong with the engine I'd rather be in the boat fixing it.
Maintenence is definately cheaper on an out board.
What I'm surprised nobody has mentioned is the one or two engines...
Going offshore I would definately want 2, I/O or outboard.
Just my 2cents.

Click to expand...

Do you mean twins?

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

zopperman said:

Do you mean twins?

Click to expand...

yup!!!

I'm near the georgian bay here and almost everytime I hear of someone getting in trouble out in the big water is because the engine died on them!

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Twins means x2 when doing everything. Doing some research I've learned that "i" will only get twins if I get a boat 28 to 30 ft or bigger do to maneuvering issues. I understand when working on one engine pray to God you don't break down, but that's why I have sea tow. Then again every single thing said on this thread all depends on what you will be using the boat for. I will never get an outboard because I love my swim platform. It only takes my mechanic 45 minutes (the most) to get my engines out. Just my 3 cents

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Re: Which is better - I/O or Outboard motor

Well, yes, twins are both good and bad for the redundancy... a kicker can help get you back if you lose your engine, but it will be significantly more difficult than a full engine in rough waters. Personally, if you plan on doing your own maintenance I would go with twins on most boats over 26', potentially smaller.