buying used boat....Inboard 0r I/O ????

[stunod12]

Hi all,<br /><br />I've been looking at boats 26-28 feet. I've noticed that alot of them are INBOARDS. The boat I own now is a I/O and I know nothing about INBOARDS.<br /><br />Questions: <br /><br />1. What are the pros & cons with INBOARDS.<br />2. to change a prop....I guess the boat has to come out of the water?<br />3. Where's the outdrive????<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Lou

 

[stunod12]

Re: buying used boat....Inboard 0r I/O ????

Also, I heard that V drives cost more to fix than straight drves???

 

[steelespike]

Re: buying used boat....Inboard 0r I/O ????

Straight inboards have some pros.<br /> When properly maintained.Repairs are much fewer.<br /> I have had a 73 year old inboard for 20 years.<br /> the transmission and water pump have never been repaired in the 73 years and only had one minor adjustment.<br />I admit this is the exception this boat has never been driven hard and has always had good service.But it isnt some delicate toy its 25 ft long and weighs 4,000 lbs with a 125 hp 990lb.<br /> straight 8 Lycoming motor.<br />At slow speed they track much straighter and<br />generally handle rough water more smoothly.<br /> Inboards are less versitle. They cant be raised for shallow water or weeds and are much more difficult to maneuver especially in tight spots.<br />When reversing there is little steering control.<br />When reversing prop torque pushes the stern to port.<br /> There are tricks you can learn that make steering more effective and use propeller torque <br />to help maneuver.Twin engine boats can be turned in their own length and have less trouble with prop torque.<br /> I think an IO is a more user friendly boat.<br /> Much easier to maneuver,electric tilt and trim,<br />easier to change props,steers in reverse.<br /> I love my boat its a wonderful smooth ride with tremendous class and Ive been told like riding in a Caddy limo.<br /> But not really practical as a everyday run around boat.<br /> There are straight inboards that are much easier to handle than mine but they dont compare to an IO.

 

[Solittle]

Re: buying used boat....Inboard 0r I/O ????

stunod - steelespike probably leaves mos of us in envy with the story of his boat. Much depends on the kind of water you are going to use it in.<br /><br />I run in South Florida and would not think of an inboard as it would greatly limit where I could go due to the shallow water around the bays and keys.

 

[stunod12]

Re: buying used boat....Inboard 0r I/O ????

Hi "SOLITTLE"<br /><br />Hey, I didn't even think of that. I found the boat of my dreams today. It's a 28' WINNER CABIN CRUISER inboard. I fish 20% in the bay in Hampton bays Long Island, and 80% in the ocean.<br /><br />Question: How much more water do you need with these inboards than I/O???<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Lou

 

[Solittle]

Re: buying used boat....Inboard 0r I/O ????

Lou - If you have a strait drive or v drive inboard and full keel, the keel will protect the prop and the rudder in shallow water if you hit something. Without the keel you are exposed to whatever you hit. I would stay away from any inboard if you run in shallow water.<br /><br />To answer your question though you need enough water below the prop & rudder to clear whatever you pass over.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: buying used boat....Inboard 0r I/O ????

I think the advantage for the inboard is simplicity, particularly the straight drive. There is no expensive outdrive to maintain. Shallow water running would favor an I/O to some degree, but I think it can be overstated. If you are likely to accidentally ground your boat, you can easily do extensive damage to a lower unit -- probably more expensive than repair to an inboard. It's true that you can tilt up an I/O lower unit some for shallower running, but my 26' Chris Craft inboard draws only 2 1/2 feet -- not likely to get too much shallower than that with a 26 to 28 foot boat and keep a prop in the water.