Another question

[Kcsteve4]

I have always had I/Os and am thinking of switching to a OB. What are the advantages of the one over the other? I am sure there are other threads about this but I searched and couldn't find anything. Probably not asking the right question in search. I am going to a boat show in KC next weekend and I might pull the trigger then. Not wanting to start a fight just wanting as much info as I can get before I buy.

Steve
NO boat
Stilwell Ks

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: Another question

my personal choice would be outboard 100%, reasons
outboards are most often lighter per unit of hp, this gap is narrowed somewhat with the new 4 stroke outboards.
space the I/O design puts the engine inside your boat and takes up room.
access you can easily get all around an outboard, the engine on an I/O most often requires some contorted position to work on.
lack of U-joints outboards dont have u-joints to fail.
lack of hole in transom this is a biggie for me with an outboard you dont have to worry about a big hole in your transom.
heavier per unit of horsepower

that said

I/Os have some benifits
non mixed fuel (4 stroke outboards are addressing this)
many parts replaced easily with a trip to automotive store
auto mechanics more willing to work on them if a marine mech not to be found.


That said I prefer outboards, some prefer inboards, others will likely give there two cents.
suggest you use what you are most comfortable with.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Another question

Lighter,simpler design,more reasonable weight,the 2 stroke outboard is purpose designed to run at the required rpm,better handling,Simpler seasonal preparation.
Give the Evinrude Etec a close look.No break in period,
no service for 3 years or 300 hours,fewer less complicated service intervals.

 

[Kcsteve4]

Re: Another question

I have looked at the E-Tec However neither the Beeny or Manitou dealer equip there boats with Evinrude. Benny - Yamaha Manitou - Suzuki. I have spoke to both of them and they do not seem willing to put a Evinrude on.
I wonder if I can purchase the Evinrude motor separetly. Has anyone ever done this.
I would imagine I can get a better deal by purchasing boat and motor together.

Steve

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Another question

Great answers above. While I/O's are great for runabouts etc., I would never have one in a pontoon for the negative points listed above.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Another question

I forget whose it is, but one of the signatures on here says "date an I/O but marry an outboard". I agree, especially when it comes to a pontoon boat, and apparently most pontoon boat manufacturers do too. I won't restate what's already been said regarding comparison/contrast of the two, but I will say don't get too hung up on the brand of the power plant. Those E-Tecs are way out of my tax bracket so I don't have any personal experience with them, but I've never heard anything other than rave reviews. That said, you'll have to look far and wide to find anyone with a low opinion of Yammies or Suzies. PM Silvertip if you want specific thoughts on Suzies.

 

[brumbyvet]

Re: Another question

It is alot easier to adjust outboard height in order to dial in motor for top performance. Most I/O pontoons have very cramped engine compartments making routine maintenance a real pain.

 

[Russell48]

Re: Another question

Some of use learn the hard way,, An the i/o cost more to parts an fixing them,, o/b lot better an cheaper to run an work on,,