I/O vs outboard

[agallant80]

I have always felt that I/O setup is not as stout and reliable as a straight up outboard. Am I crazy or are pure outboards better in terms of reliability?

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: I/O vs outboard

No offense. This is like an oil thread.

You have your I/O owners and your Outboard owners. Each side will tell you why they like what they have. Both are good, both are reliable with proper maintenance.... Comes down to personal preference and/or what activities the boat will be used for....

 

[Slip Away]

Re: I/O vs outboard

Plus it's been asked 100's of times about "what I should get, I/O or outboard" Try a search, you should find plenty of posts that tell pro's and con's of both.

 

[agallant80]

Re: I/O vs outboard

OK so it sounds like I am crazy.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: I/O vs outboard

OK so it sounds like I am crazy.

You said it, I didn't.

It really depends on use, as stated above. It seems that the boat makers are in an outboard mode right now, but they still have plenty of I/O models, too. So, to sum it up - :noidea:

 

[tpenfield]

Re: I/O vs outboard

I thought about getting an outboard boat (instead of an I/O) when I was considering a new boat last year. The way that I planned to use the boat swung me back to the I/O. So, that may be the more important factor, rather than reliability.

The nice thing about an outboard engine for a boat that is kept in the water is that you can tilt it up out of the water, where as you cannot get an I/O out of the water. that may be part of the folk lore that translates into reliability.

One thing to consider is that when an outboard engine needs parts & service, brace yourself

 

[AChotrod]

Re: I/O vs outboard

HP being equal I believe outboards are faster and easier to maintain. I/Os dont make the best inland fishing boats and weigh more, also they are harder to work on do to space constraints.
To me a Ski/pleasure boat should have a I/O and a Fishing/Ski boat should have a O/B. Again Im a inland guy and will never see the coast in my boats.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: I/O vs outboard

Here in coastal NC, most boaters use outboards. Inland fresh water lakes see a lot of I/Os. One way to gauge it is to call around to different boat shops and ask if they work on I/Os. Around here most shops do not. Where I used to live in Charlotte, most would. So what I would do if I were you is sit at a busy boat ramp some nice Saturday afternoon and see what the locals seem to be using.

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: I/O vs outboard

I prefer an I/O because of the space on the stern, sundeck and swim platform for fun and pleasure boating. But IMO O/B lighter, easier to winterize and work on. That would be more for the fishing aspect.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: I/O vs outboard

Straight inboard!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: I/O vs outboard

One thing to consider is that when an outboard engine needs parts & service, brace yourself

Bought a coupler or exhaust manifold lately? And how many O/B gimbal bearings and bellows have been changed? And I align my motor by pointing the steering wheel straight ahead, as well as drain the motor for winter by tilting her straight down. :lol:

I/O's and O/B's both have their place. For me - I/O for a cruising and O/B for fishing. And I've cursed at both. LOL

 

[Mason78]

Re: I/O vs outboard

This always feels like were talking politics at the dinner table. Someone always gets mad and nobody ever changes their mind.

 

[JoLin]

Re: I/O vs outboard

I/O's and O/B's both have their place. For me - I/O for a cruising and O/B for fishing. And I've cursed at both. LOL

It often comes down to what's available for the type of boating you do. If you like weekending, a fairly roomy cabin and an under-30 foot cruiser for under $20K... good luck finding an outboard powered boat.

I've owned both. Doesn't matter which one it is. They all break, and they all suck when they do.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: I/O vs outboard

IN Florida I/O's are something somebody brought from the North of didn't know any better to buy down here. They go by the wayside real quick. On another note I was amazed to see I/Os 20 years old in the marinas up North in great shape.

Absolute reliability diesel straight inboard. Nothing else close. Next best 4 stroke outboard. Next 2 stroke outboard. Way way last is an I/O.

 

[ricohman]

Re: I/O vs outboard

It often comes down to what's available for the type of boating you do. If you like weekending, a fairly roomy cabin and an under-30 foot cruiser for under $20K... good luck finding an outboard powered boat.

I've owned both. Doesn't matter which one it is. They all break, and they all suck when they do.[/QUOTE]

Yup. I totally agree with this statement!

 

[H20Rat]

Re: I/O vs outboard

Absolute reliability diesel straight inboard. Nothing else close. Next best 4 stroke outboard. Next 2 stroke outboard. Way way last is an I/O.

All engines have a mean time between failure number on them, or more like mean time between rebuild. 2 stroke gasoline outboards are by far at the bottom of the list, and older outboards were rated for 1000 hours. Doesn't mean they would fail, but that was the design spec for them.

On the other hand, a 4 stroke inboard engine is barely broke in at 1000 hours!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: I/O vs outboard

opcorn::deadhorse:

 

[agallant80]

Re: I/O vs outboard

I never knew what a controversial topic this was. Can someone tell me what the best oil is to use in an I/O and an outboard

 

[southkogs]

Re: I/O vs outboard

I never knew what a controversial topic this was. Can someone tell me what the best oil is to use in an I/O and an outboard

… and should it be fiberglass or aluminum.


I mean - c'mon, let's get rowdy!

 

[agallant80]

Re: I/O vs outboard

For real. I have never had an outboard besides a 5HP Honda so I don't know much about them.