outboard vs I/O

[mnypitboat]

Re: outboard vs I/O

Post #1 of this thread = Bashing the cost of outboards using a poor comparison.

Now go ahead and tell us why that isn't true.

Every other post by mnypitboat is an argument as to why I/O's are better, cheaper, stronger, able to leap tall buildings, etc.

As for bashing I/O's, I for sure didn't. I only pointed out flaws in YOUR bashing of outboards. Most of the posts by others were simply pointing out benefits of outboards which you poo-poo'd.

BTW, on shorting the starter solenoid on an I/O. That's not a real bright idea making a big spark in the engine compartment while you are standing over it.

And you continue. Even though I tried to explain myself on multiple occasions. As I said, I was not trying to be argumentative(it may have sounded like it, and probably did). I only wanted get the information I was looking for. I still havent gotten it. If anything it has made me lean toward another I/O. As someone else stated, I will just have to jump into it and see what happens, and I am sure with some more research on my part, I will find the answers I need.

As I said, my title and origional comparison was probably the wrong way to get that information because it obviously ruffled a lot of feathers.

How is an engine compartment that has been open for hours due to a broken component unsafe to jump a starter??? I actually have a clip on push button switch too, that is in my tool kit on the boat.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: outboard vs I/O

Exactly what questions about outboards are you looking for answers to?

You have said a few different times that you haven't found your answers, so ask your questions and you will receive answers

 

[Purecarnagge]

Re: outboard vs I/O

is outboard generally better off for a mechanically not inclined boating newbie?

 

[109jb]

Re: outboard vs I/O

And you continue. Even though I tried to explain myself on multiple occasions. As I said, I was not trying to be argumentative(it may have sounded like it, and probably did). I only wanted get the information I was looking for. I still havent gotten it. If anything it has made me lean toward another I/O. As someone else stated, I will just have to jump into it and see what happens, and I am sure with some more research on my part, I will find the answers I need.

As I said, my title and origional comparison was probably the wrong way to get that information because it obviously ruffled a lot of feathers.

How is an engine compartment that has been open for hours due to a broken component unsafe to jump a starter??? I actually have a clip on push button switch too, that is in my tool kit on the boat.

Got an answer for everything don't you. Well fuel vapors sink and could still be there long after the cowl is opened. Also, you stated "and most of the time the solenoid is what goes bad in a starter, and you can jump that with a screwdriver." Never mentioned anything about a clip and pushbutton. BTW, does this pushbutton and clip have about 2 gauge wire on them. If not then it is a remote for engaging that broken solenoid you were refering to and will not carry the full current load of a starter turning a V8 engine.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: outboard vs I/O

Exactly what questions about outboards are you looking for answers to?

You have said a few different times that you haven't found your answers, so ask your questions and you will receive answers

I will start another thread, when I can figure out how to word it so as not to cause another pissing contest. LOL I made it too vague this time, and used 2 scenarios that I was familiar with having just happened to me and a buddy, and they were not really comparable, and then it turned into the pissing contest and egos got in the way and I never really got my answers. I will start another thread and try to word it better later.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: outboard vs I/O

I know this is probably a heated topic, but after talking to a buddy yesterday it really makes me glad I have an I/O.

I just put an engine in my boat, a Mercruiser 350. I made some mistakes along the way, that cost me some cash, but total investment into this engine replacement, including water pump, gimbal bearing, new prop, new impeller in the outdrive, completely new/rebuilt engine from bottom to top, new starter and a new battery was less than $2500. Yes I did most of the work, but I paid someone else to do the gimbal bearing and impeller and to put my bottom end together and that was nearly $1000 of the bill. I also had to pay a tow truck to come pull my old engine because my hoist isnt tall enough too.

My buddy has an Outboard, and I apologize, I cant remember what it is other than its a 250. He calls me up yesterday asking me about his engine. I quickly told him I know virtually nothing about outboards and suggested iboats. He just got the boat and took it out once and it is getting sluggish, then he taps on the coil pack and it peps right back up. OK sounds easy enough. So he takes it in to have it looked at and a little general maintainance, since he just got it. They changed out the water pump, 2 coil packs, and something that sounds pretty much like an alternator to me, did some fluid changes, and the bill totalled almost $3000. Now maybe they raped him on labor, but damn.

Had I not screwed up and bought a junk used engine I would have probably been under $2000. Had I shopped around, I could have replaced the engine, every accessory on the engine and the outdrive for less than what he paid for some general maintanance.

I think I will stick to what I know. A simple Chevy 350 car type engine. They are abundant and easy to work on.

I see nowhere in this original post mentioning anything pro about, or asking a question about an outboard. I see someone who is very satisfied with their I/O and in turn, sharing his friends experience, as to why he probably doesn't want an outboard.

What questions was this post asking, so we could help and answer them?

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: outboard vs I/O

Got an answer for everything don't you. Well fuel vapors sink and could still be there long after the cowl is opened. Also, you stated "and most of the time the solenoid is what goes bad in a starter, and you can jump that with a screwdriver." Never mentioned anything about a clip and pushbutton. BTW, does this pushbutton and clip have about 2 gauge wire on them. If not then it is a remote for engaging that broken solenoid you were refering to and will not carry the full current load of a starter turning a V8 engine.

And it keeps coming. I have done the screwdriver thing on occasion, and my engine compartment is huge, so not likely to have any fumes. I guess that will be bad on me if I am wrong. My starter switch is heavy guage, going into a trigger and is made for exactly what it is used for. Bypassing starter solenoids. After having to use the screwdriver method I promptly bought one from a local Snap On guy. Again, learning from my mistakes and making sure I have a way to get home if something goes wrong. Not only that it makes it much easier to test compression, spin the engine over, etc etc without having a second person up by the helm.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: outboard vs I/O

I see nowhere in this original post mentioning anything pro about, or asking a question about an outboard. I see someone who is very satisfied with their I/O and in turn, sharing his friends experience, as to why he probably doesn't want an outboard.

What questions was this post asking, so we could help and answer them?

You are completely right. I had just gotten off the phone with my buddy, and began remembering when my brother in law had outboard problems, and threw that out there. My mouth got in the way of my brain, so to speak. I do like my simple 350 based Mercruiser. But I plan on looking for a more offshore capable boat at the end of the season and wanted some pros and cons of outboards and I had specific questions from both my buddy's and my bro in law's experiances, and they got lost in my frustration/ego?? I dont know. I will post another thread later.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: outboard vs I/O

is outboard generally better off for a mechanically not inclined boating newbie?

Well that depends on if that non-mechanically inclined newbie is planning to work on it themselves......assuming that the NMIN is going to work on it, then my personal opinion would be to recommend an outboard. The reason being is that they really are a simple engine, and they are not a pass thru the transom assembly, which can be a scary experience for first time boat owners.

A good manual and some basic tools and you can accomplish most anything on them.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: outboard vs I/O

I love my 350 based motors as well. Easy to work on, find parts for and seem to last forever when cared for.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: outboard vs I/O

I will start another thread, when I can figure out how to word it so as not to cause another pissing contest. LOL I made it too vague this time, and used 2 scenarios that I was familiar with having just happened to me and a buddy, and they were not really comparable, and then it turned into the pissing contest and egos got in the way and I never really got my answers. I will start another thread and try to word it better later.

No you didn't make it too vague, you said you have some questions, so just ask the first ones that come to mind, along the way if you think of others then ask them, the only stupid questions are the ones that are not asked. Pissing matches are for urinals, and I'm not sitting in front of a urinal.

 

[Beefer]

Re: outboard vs I/O

Ummm....

Both OB and I/O's do the same thing; propel our boats.

Doesn't that make them both the best thing since sliced bread?

They both have costs associated. They both have advantages. Everybody has a preference. They are what they are. Buy/own what you like.

Sorry, but this thread is as ridiculous as a Ford v Chevy argument.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: outboard vs I/O

I tend to agree. I personally would own any style of motor, if the type of boat I wanted warrented it.

A big center console, outboards.
A cuddy or bow rider for tubing and day trips, I/O.
A larger cruiser/sportfish for weekends, I/B.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: outboard vs I/O

Grady put the last of the inboards in the 256 Wahoo in 1981-1982. The I/O they discontinued in 1997. In 2000, they offered a diesel I/O in the 27 Sailfish but they only made 100 of them.

The older, pre-Seav2 hulls, would pound you to death. It's also the vintage that is infamous for their rotten transoms. The 2000 Sailfish would have the Seav2 hull and was built after Grady changed over to using Greenwood with a lifetime rot warranty so it would be a decent boat.

If buying one of the older hulls, pre-1996, I would recommend a full survey, including moisture content reads of all the structural components. I would also look into hiring a full time chiropractor if buying a boat without a Seav2 hull. Most likely, you are going to need one unless you do not venture out into the rough very often.

You couldn?t pay me to run an I/O ever again, but if I were going inboard, it certainly would not be a Grady. There are numerous inboard boats out there that I?d take over a Grady in a heart beat.

I completely missed this post. Great information. I wasnt aware of any of these issues.. Of course I just started researching too.

 

[Kainon]

Re: outboard vs I/O

Hey Philster, have you seen this ?? I checked it out at a boat show a couple years ago and fell in love with it.. 27' with a 8.1L 420hp

http://www.ebbtideboats.com/ShowBoat.asp?sBoat=2600&tab=3

I've worked on both I/O's and OB's for many years.

I like OBs as they are easy to work on, but depending on the I/O or IB, they can be easy to..

I have a 165hp I/O and to push the same boat, I'd need a 120-150hp OB
I am a big guy and would not want to pull start that..

Heck thought the old inline 6 OB's have a pull start ability, I wouldn't want to. OH TOW-BOAT where are you ??

I've seen a few 30' with multiple OB's 250-350hp each, and If i wanted to get somewhere quick with a boat that size, I'd think OB's are the way to go, but if I wanted reliability, I'd do dual diesels.

I like OB's for more deck space, but like IO's and IB's for water fun.

 

[skargo]

Re: outboard vs I/O

My closed cooled I/O 350 is 32 years old. It is the original engine. Nuff said. Everything else SUCKS!

 

[overkill]

Re: outboard vs I/O

Do outboards still have that available as an option, especially for the higer power ones? Say you have a 300 HP V8 outboard, could you still rope start it? I'm asking becuase I sincerely don't know- not trying to be sarcastic or stir the pot.

i have a JOhnson 150 V6, i havnt had to pull start it yet( i sould prolly try someday), but it does have the notch an wheel for doing it, and it came with the rope. i have pull started a V4 b4 and a friend has pull started his v6. i imagin that the more cylinders you have the harder it is. BUT as far as i know all outboards can still be pull started. i'll bet the newer fuel injected ones are pretty easy to pull start.