Re: I got the nod...
I struggled with the OB suggestion as I prefer I/Os for appearance and the noise, but I have basically had it with I/Os. Frankly, they are a stupid device . . . <br /><br />1) I absolutely hate that I/O's change the power direction 90 degrees, twice. Just bugs me . . . And the upper gearbox is eliminated with an OB.<br /><br />2) 2 Stroke OBs are really the only engine designed as a marine engine from the beginning. This is not as big a deal with freshwater<br /><br />3) Ease of work and maintenance, newer OBs are very trouble free and don't require engine oil changes (2 Strokes)<br /><br />4) If you ever beach your boat, I/Os can get hung up on the skeg and it is frankly another stupid deal that is inherent in the design, you just cannot get an I/O out of the water . . .<br /><br />5) You can get a decent OB off of Ebay for the price of an I/O lower unit . . .<br /><br />I agree with JK on the cost and the ease of work on the 3.0. They are easy to get your hands on etc. I had an '83 3.0 that I bought new. That engine still runs today, it has never been worked on except thermostats and plugs and a little carb tweaking. BIL still owns it and I don't think the valve cover has ever been off. I am not violently opposed to I/Os. I still own one that has been reasonable (Bravo). Alphas are pretty crappy though. I hate the dog clutch, the cone clutch on a Volvo is very smooth in comparison. Same with the Bravo, but you won't find that on a 17 - 19 footer. BTW, I don't know anything about the various shift mechanisms on OBs as far as the dog clutch clatter thing goes . . .
