I enjoy OBs. Will I regret switching to sterndrives?

[Joolz]

Current boat is an outboard. In the market for a replacement boat and I see a few good deals on I/O sterndrives. Kinda hesitant to consider these due to added maintenance, more weight, extra costs. Am I right to be hesitant? Or would it be a mistake not considering an I/O? Boats I'm looking at range from 16' to 18'. Weight being an issue as my tow vehicle isn't a monster truck. I see some I/O around 1,300lbs which is similar to my current boat and just fine for my TV.

I live in frigid Alberta, where we could get a flash freeze by mid October. With an outboard the extent of my winterizing consists of draining the oil from the leg (as possible water in it could expand and destroy the internals). This is it. Simple, quick, cheap. Since I use only ethanol free gas, I don't even to do anything regarding the gas (use external jugs). So simplicity is something I appreciate. I've never owned an I/O. Wondering if anyone here that used to have an outboard made the switch to I/O, if so what's your take on it? Regret? The same, or do you prefer this different power plant?

Going to look at an I/O this evening. Honestly I don't even know what to look for lol.

 

[briangcc]

You will increase your vocabulary to include words such as Bellows U-joints, Exhaust risers, etc. All fun stuff to deal with when it goes south. And they're more interesting to winterize (properly) than an outboard. And you're not getting the prop that far out of the water when you have an I/O so if you lodge yourself on something (log, rock) you may very well be jumping in to lift the stern/transom to get yourself free where an outboard you may just tilt it up further to free yourself.

It used to be that outboards didn't have the HP ratings that you could get in an I/O. That has changed as 300HP+ monsters are out there now. Only reason to go I/O is for a large swim platform (in my mind anyways)...and they're cheaper than the same HP outboard in regards to initial purchase price when comparing same sized / same manufacturer boat. When I was just looking, it was a 10k premium to go Outboard.

 

[aspeck]

On a boat that size, with your climate, I would stick with the outboard. You will miss the space you loose with the engine on an I/O unless you like to use that as a sun deck ...

 

[MTboatguy]

On a boat that size, with your climate, I would stick with the outboard. You will miss the space you loose with the engine on an I/O unless you like to use that as a sun deck ...

Boy if this was not a family orientated system, I know some pictures I have seen that show good reasons to have an I/O!

 

[aspeck]

Um, not quite where I was going, but, yeah, that also ...:laugh::laugh::laugh::jaw:

 

[garbageguy]

We have boats propelled via OB's, IO's, inboards, sails, humans only. You get used to them all. But would agree that in your situation, you may want to stick with OB. The initial cost thing is a pretty big consideration though. But if you're looking at pre-owned, I wouldn't rule out an IO - condition, condition, condition...

 

[Sprig]

I’ve had both I/o’s and o/b’s but I like o/b better. Currently have an o/b. There seems to be a lot more to go wrong with I/o’s. My experience is I/o are more expensive overall to own and operate. In addition the motor box takes up a lot of room especially in the size boat you are looking for. I think o/b are easier to maintain including winterizing. Overall I think you’d be better off with an o/b.

 

[Maclin]

"Will I regret switching to sterndrives? "

Yes, as soon as the I/O needs to be attended to.

 

[Maclin]

Actually, "Rue the day" may closer describe the feeling. I/O's have that big hole in the back that have several ways of being breached, need to be diligent to keep the Barbarians at the Gate subdued

 

[Watermann]

I have both IO/OB boats and like them equally but for different reasons. The big thing is I can use the OB year around for fishing without winterizing. The IO is great for low speed cruising in the warm months when I can enjoy being on the water during nice weather.

 

[89retta]

I live in good ole Alberta also. Switched to a sterndrive 4 years ago and have no complaints.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Depends on the boat. Some boats need OBs, some boats need I/Os, some need pure inboards, and some need a blown BBC in front of a 2-speed powerglide spinning a jet pump at 8000 RPM, and there are some that are spinning a 7' diameter propeller, and there are some that are propelled only by wind

I have owned OBs, I/Os, and many with ors and paddles

As far as regrets, none...they all need maintenance, and when they break, you will swear at what ever you own

 

[JimS123]

Boy if this was not a family orientated system, I know some pictures I have seen that show good reasons to have an I/O!

I would love to see the pics, since I don't get what you are saying.

I had outboards for years, then switched to an I/O 35 years ago since it was the thing to do. Last year we bought a second fishing boat (a Boston Whaler) and have loved it ever since. The 4-stroke Outboards are awesome and totally beat the I/Os. Gimble bearings, u-joints, sucking oil, antifreeze and 4 hours of winterizing in the driveway have been replaced with 20 minutes in the garage in any weather. Plus, fuel economy is better.

I vote OB.

 

[ahicks]

Even disregarding some expensive maintenance items, winterizing would be the big deal for me. Many opportunities early and late season to use the boat might be passed up knowing that it's going to need to be /drained winterized again when you pull it out. One mistake at your latitude can cost a manifold or a block pretty easily.

 

[Joolz]

This is great feedback, it confirms what I had suspected: that the only advantage of I/O is that they make for great suntanning beds - hmm, maybe the moderator will make an exception and allow you to share those precious pics? :happy:

With 3 small kids and often other kids that come along, every cm of space matters. Having that huge box taking up space is a factor I hadn't considered. Yesterday while boating in shallow water (fish finder led me to believe it was a structure when it was thick weed and bedrock) I had to lift the outboard completely out of the water in order to remove a ton of weed from the propeller. Clearly I wouldn't be able to do this with an I/O. The more I read your input the more I realize there isn't single advantage to owning a sterndrive. You have confirmed what I kinda knew but wasn't sure.

Btw one of the boats I've been looking has a Merc EFI 175HP. However the boat is rated for a max of 150hp. Would this an issue? Or just a case of manufacturers covering their rear ends due to liability concerns?

 

[89retta]

Joolz where in Alberta are you ?

 

[Blind Date]

Really a personal decision. I'll buy a boat with sails before I'd ever own another outboard. I prefer the look, feel and sound of an I/O.

My anecdotal experience is that I/O's are heads and tails better for watersports than outboards. Important if you have young kids. And you can put a nice swim platform on a boat with an I/O that they can swim off. Can't do that with an outboard. Again another important consideration with kids. With young kids( I have 3) an I/O is no brainer over an outboard if your spending my money.
.

 

[aspeck]

I/O's definitely have their place and are not "bad" boats ... just think with your considerations you would be happier with an OB. Now, the 175HP on a 150HP rated boat ... it is not a BIG overage, and probably would not matter as far as running the boat, but you might want to check with your insurance company to see if they would cover boat damage if in an accident and also cover any liability you might incur. Some are fussy and some not so much. You just need to make sure you are covered ... It is not recommended to over-power, and I, nor iboats, would recommend overpowering.

 

[dingbat]

Boy if this was not a family orientated system, I know some pictures I have seen that show good reasons to have an I/O!

In the right area, a couple of $20 gets the same result without the repair or maintenance costs of a boat....lol

 

[Joolz]

Joolz where in Alberta are you ?

Cowgaria. Is that your Caravelle? Lovely boat - too bad it doesn't come with an OB

Blind date: I'll counter your anecdotal remark with this one: I simply love the sound of a 2 stroke engine. It truly is music to my ears. I still have my 2 stroke race bike and I'd never replace it with a 4. Plan to race it again once time allows. On that note, I also love the smell of premix. Finger crossed I don't come across a great deal on a 4 stroke OB, hehe.

As for the overpowering: it's on a 97 Campion. These boats appear to be as well built and rock solid as they come. Suppose this means if there's a boat out there that likely wouldn't mind the added HP, this'd be it.

Insurance? Not required where I am. Heck, I never even considered it. Is this a mandatory thing in the US? Not to hijack my own thread, but do other Canadians have insurance or see a need for it?