Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

[Home Cookin']

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

One reason I think OB's "last longer" than I/O (that is, go further without needing replacement) is that I/O has a lot of moving parts stretched out over half the boat--and each link is an opportunity to fail. Consider as only one example that with an i/o you tilt half the system, requiring a rather sophisticated hinge, instead of the whole thing on a simple greased tube. You have one drive shaft to the foot with an OB; at that point they are the same.

Not to say my old outboards haven't found ways to break one part at a time on me, too--like whack-a-mole repairs

 

[Stevens520]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

The search may be lengthy. Usually the ones who built that size of a boat using an I/O, tend to clutter up the rear of the boat with upholstery.Just seemed to be the way the trend went with the manufacturers.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Serious boaters/fishermen and many commercial/government operations choose outboards, they put 2000 hours or more on them and then repower as part of a regular maintenance schedule. I would argue that outboards will last longer with proper maintenance than any I/O.

Funny, you won't too many fishing trawlers using outboards. Gov't operations and others commonly use outboards because they are self draining and pretty much low maintenance. The type of engine typically follows the intended purpose of the vessel. The engines needed to power a large boat (30'+) are extremely expensive as outboards, and become less practical. Having two 350HP V8's is much more simple and cost-effective than three 225HP outboards. The bigger the boat, the more likely it is using inboard or I/O powerplants.

 

[Stevens520]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Funny, you won't too many fishing trawlers using outboards. Gov't operations and others commonly use outboards because they are self draining and pretty much low maintenance. The type of engine typically follows the intended purpose of the vessel. The engines needed to power a large boat (30'+) are extremely expensive as outboards, and become less practical. Having two 350HP V8's is much more simple and cost-effective than three 225HP outboards. The bigger the boat, the more likely it is using inboard or I/O powerplants.

If you look, most of the manufacturers these days such as Pursuit,Grady,Whaler ect. are throwing outboards on the back of their boats these days with no other options available.

 

[matt167]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Seeing as how a brand new 260hp Chevy 350 can be had for $1,500 and a stern drive for between $1,500 and $3,000, + $1k for other various parts, a total I/O replacement is likely in the $8-10k range, where as buying one 225hp OB will set you back $14k+..

a Chevy 350 can ( on average ) be rebuilt 2 times, with a rebuild cost from between $500-800 ( factory replacement parts ). Try that on an Outboard power head


The other option to a boat like that is finding one equipped correctly, and modifying to suit needs. Not saying to take a saws-all to the rear seats like so many are, but they could be removed and replaced/ fiberglassed nicely. I would even wonder about putting in a Jet propulsion system. Not an ideal setup considering, but when what you want doesn't exist, you either have to make it or settle.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Seeing as how a brand new 260hp Chevy 350 can be had for $1,500 and a stern drive for between $1,500 and $3,000, + $1k for other various parts, a total I/O replacement is likely in the $8-10k range, where as buying one 225hp OB will set you back $14k+..

You can't buy a Chevy 350 for $1,500 new, but you can buy reman'd 350's for that. You also forgot the drive/trim systems and associated hardware. The price is closer to $6K+, which is still about half the cost of some outboards.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Funny, you won't too many fishing trawlers using outboards. Gov't operations and others commonly use outboards because they are self draining and pretty much low maintenance. The type of engine typically follows the intended purpose of the vessel. The engines needed to power a large boat (30'+) are extremely expensive as outboards, and become less practical. Having two 350HP V8's is much more simple and cost-effective than three 225HP outboards. The bigger the boat, the more likely it is using inboard or I/O powerplants.

Certainly there are many applications where outboards are not the ideal/preferred powerplant. My point was that in many cases the owner of a vessel that uses it and puts a substantial number of hours on, it is not unlikely to repower after a certain number of hours as part of a regular maintenance plan. This is "easier" with outboards.

I would also state that in many cases when looking at commercial/government vessels, they are typically outboard up to about 30' or so than then they transition to diesel inboard. There are certainly some that are gas I/O but I think that is a small minority.

While cost is a factor, I think most attempts at comparing the cost to repower an outboard vs. an I/O it is never as simple as the quick look at the cost for the i/o components for a given power plant.

Oh and there are 350hp V8 outboards on the market now. While not inexpensive they are being used pretty widely and have proven to be an effective powerplant.

 

[matt167]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

You can't buy a Chevy 350 for $1,500 new, but you can buy reman'd 350's for that. You also forgot the drive/trim systems and associated hardware. The price is closer to $6K+, which is still about half the cost of some outboards.

Not a marine 350, but a new Goodwrench 350/260hp is $1,500-1,700 depending on supplier. Add a few hundred for new cam and brass freeze plugs. I know a new marine 350 is much higher.. I knew I didn't think of everything.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

It seems that there is a transition in the mid-30's from Outboard to inboard (not I/O) and I agree that for saltwater, these are the only real options.

Being a Great Lakes boater, I/O still makes alot of sense.

Maybe one of those plush cockpit expresses needs a little glass work

The search continues!

Well, seeing as you are on the Great Lakes, my only suggestion is, my favorite, Ranger Tugs 29. Absolutely beautiful interior and a functional fishing cockpit.

 

[Stevens520]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Well, seeing as you are on the Great Lakes, my only suggestion is, my favorite, Ranger Tugs 29. Absolutely beautiful interior and a functional fishing cockpit.

I love those things! The R21 is especially neat since it's fuel usage is measured in pints per hour. If I had the cash, I would get one myself. But too bad they don't meet the ops requirement of an I/O; those pups have Inboards.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

A large cockpit, for fishing, plus plush amenities and I/Os, are going to be tough to put together. Even with the plush cruisers having removable furniture on deck, they don't lend to fishing. Big swim platforms, putting you way up above the water, cockpit floors designed for carpet and drinks, not fish blood and large scuppers to wash them out.

In turn, express fishing type boats sacrifice cabin amenities, and will almost always (in this size) go with outboards or inboards.

Honestly I think outboards might be your best bet if you can live with them. They perform fine trimmed up, can trim out of the water, and open up cockpit and cabin space.

 

[bcjohnso99]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

A large cockpit, for fishing, plus plush amenities and I/Os, are going to be tough to put together.

You nailed it! This is why I am seeking insight from the collective

Can't afford a battle wagon and a family cruiser, so I'm looking for the best compromise...

Honestly I think outboards might be your best bet if you can live with them. They perform fine trimmed up, can trim out of the water, and open up cockpit and cabin space.

I think you're right, but "a large cockpit for fishing, plus plush amenities and outboards" is also a hard find unless you have a big $$$.

Brian.

 

[bcjohnso99]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

The configuration I am looking for seems to exist in Europe (of course most do not have dealers in N/A).

As an example: http://www.allyachtsru.com/YachtNew.asp?ID_Yacht=4213 (Faeton 940 Hard Top)

twin diesel sterndrive
2'1" draft with outdrives trimmed up
Large open cockpit
easy/comfortable cruising features too!

Arrg,.

 

[emoney]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Oh, I'm sure you can get one of those, but I have a feeling it doesn't fit the price parameters. A 2000 930 version was listed for $55,000 Euro (which I think is around $70k-ish USD). I'd bet the new ones are close to that 1/4 Million mark.

You know, there are tons of "new models" on the market, to include a 28' Nordic Tug, a new 29' Ranger that may get closer. Diesel inboards, and I'm sure they're in that $200k price range, but some really, really nice boats. If you can wait 10 years, the price will be a LOT cheaper, lol.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

A brand new Ranger 25 for 129K and only 26" draft.

http://www.boatbuys.com/boats-for-s...gs/r-25sc/664866/2012-ranger-tugs-r-25sc.html

 

[bcjohnso99]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Oh, I'm sure you can get one of those, but I have a feeling it doesn't fit the price parameters. A 2000 930 version was listed for $55,000 Euro (which I think is around $70k-ish USD). I'd bet the new ones are close to that 1/4 Million mark.

You know, there are tons of "new models" on the market, to include a 28' Nordic Tug, a new 29' Ranger that may get closer. Diesel inboards, and I'm sure they're in that $200k price range, but some really, really nice boats. If you can wait 10 years, the price will be a LOT cheaper, lol.

The depreciation factor is a big one!

Without restricting the search too much, I had been thinking that buying a well maintained boat (that originally sold for $250K) at 7-9 years old for a little less than half price would be the ideal balance between price and age.

Spending less would be nice but I once owned an older Carver and know first hand what happens to maintenance costs with an old boat

Brian.

 

[Stevens520]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Can't tell how plush the cabin is, but it does have plenty of room with an I/O.
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/199...-Hard-Top-2496337/Manchester/MA/United-States
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1995/Eastern-Boats-Custom-Hard-Top-2313698/Salem/MA/United-States

 

[matt167]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

This is right up your alley as far as needs, just it's not a production boat- Build it is the only way. The Inboard could be modded into an I/O configuration. https://www.boatdesigns.com/35-Sea-Angler-convertible-sportfisher-cruiser/products/411/

The other thought is, buying a foreign boat and having it shipped over. Those are really nice

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Considering the maintenance schedules for I/O's, I don't know if I would have I/O's on any boat that needs to be hauled out every 50-100 hours to have the drive oil changed. Seems a bit of a huge cost for maintenance to me. On a trailer boat or one in dry storage, that is a different story, but being hauled every time, especially if the boat is used alot ?????

 

[bcjohnso99]

Re: Are there any large i/o express fisherman boats?

Considering the maintenance schedules for I/O's, I don't know if I would have I/O's on any boat that needs to be hauled out every 50-100 hours to have the drive oil changed. Seems a bit of a huge cost for maintenance to me. On a trailer boat or one in dry storage, that is a different story, but being hauled every time, especially if the boat is used alot ?????

I see your point but our season is short on the north side of the Great Lakes and they are all hauled out for the winter. I likely would go over the 100 hr interval some seasons and would have the pay the mid-season $195 service fee for haul out and gear lube change. I'd be very happy to pay this twice in a season because that would mean I pretty much lived on the boat!

Brian.