Re: Benefits of the I/O engine?
I suggest that the benifits of one type of engine vs another has alot to do with the size and type of boat. Outboards have come along way in just the past few years with fuel injection and 4 cycle and I'd say they are the best for smaller boats, lets say up to 21 feet, hands down. After that the horsepower requirements approach or exceed 200HP. That translates into a big outboard(s) and HEAVY and expensive, especially a 4 cycle. Having all that weight hang off your transom can cause problems. Just fitting an IO in a smaller boat creates a motor bulge in the floor. The larger boats have the room below deck to accomadate the motor, its quieter and when compared to a 2cyl carburated OB much more fuel efficient.<br /><br />My opinion up to 21 feet, a 4 cycle outboard (When you talk a carburated 2 cycle outboard, the IO makes some sense after 19 feet, for shopping used boats), 22 to 26 single I/O, 27 to 30 twin IO, v drive or screws, 30 up twin screws. <br /><br />The middle sizes 22 to 25 can have wiggle room. On the plus side an outboard is raised all the way out of the water, so if your keeping it docked, maybe get an outboard for the larger boat. But if you are mechanically inclined, get the IO, you work on the motor and have an expert work on the drive and maintain it.<br /><br />Just a rule of thumb from a person with a little knowledge (as they same a dangerous thing).