Newbie: Inboard vs Outboard tubing

[jkust]

Re: Newbie: Inboard vs Outboard tubing

You sound to me more like an outboard guy with that fishing interest and some watersports. I've got both an outboard bowrider and my sig boat I/O bowrider. I like the I/O hands down for our cruising and watersports lifestyle. The truth is I can't ever reach the water because it sits so high and is a gigantic pain to fish from. I also like the very quiet at WOT ride as well as the economical gas usage compared to our 2 stroke O/B. My wife for some unknown reason decided to tow me on the tube at a hair over 40mph somehow reading my body language as 'go faster' this past summer. When the boat turns you are really flying and so 40mph is fun but can only imagine the beating I'd have taken had I fallen off and skipped across the water.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie: Inboard vs Outboard tubing

I have an outboard swim platform ready to install on my boat. Some of these "benefits" get kinda silly after a while. Here you go, here's a real one....I/O's use way less gas. I won't even try to argue it.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Newbie: Inboard vs Outboard tubing

After having crashed on a jetski at over 50mph, you skip pretty well across the water at that speed. You also get the breath knocked out of you, and find out how long it takes to swim to a jet ski down-current from you. You come up with new adjectives for your friend who was driving at the time as well, lol.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Newbie: Inboard vs Outboard tubing

Anything over 100Hp will take you up to 30.

Firstly, I was basing my answer on HIS parameters "I'm looking at 16-20' boats, it will mainly be used as a fishing boat for myself. However, I would still like to have the ability to take friends and family out for a good (and fast) time tubing. "

So with that, I'll stay within the 17-19' class...as once you jump above that, things get CONSIDERABLY heavier/more complex/wider/more expensive(it IS his first boat). Smaller than that...and it's virtually useless for "recreational"(non-fishing) purposes.

An AVERAGE 18-19' "Fish-n-Ski", Bowrider, or micro-cuddy SHOULD be able to get within the25-30mph range on a properly running I/O, or O/B on an AVERAGE day on the lake.

I'm not arguing specifics as this whole discussion is quite generalistic based upon the info given.

The hard bottom line here is that research, real-world matching of boat-powerplant, preference and pocketbook will determine what type of boat will move how-fast.

Each "type" of hull design or powerplant has it's benefits AND disadvantages.

EVERYONE has an opinion...there are few absolutes.

With gas prices climbing higher, I'm already seeing plenty of early "deals" here in Wi...and there's STILL ice on the lakes.

Due dilligence, inspection, instinct, and attention to detail will tell you how well, or how poorly your prospective purchase has been cared for(if used), and in the end will may be the deciding factor rather than a specific lenghth/Hp.

Whatever you get...ENJOY THE H#$% out of it!

 

[ba1335]

Re: Newbie: Inboard vs Outboard tubing

Thanks again for all the insight guys! If anyone has some time to check out these listings, these are the boats I plan to look at this weekend. I'm pretty sure I know the basic questions to ask but is there anything else I should look for or ask? Also, based on these boats designs can they all handle well at 25mph? I understand this will more or less be through my comfort level when I actually get the boat on the water but every bit of information is useful and greatly appreciated.

http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2900235060.html
http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2859289933.html(He'll replace the starter and $2100)
http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2886139019.html
http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2894290693.html
http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2890156676.html
http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2856449275.html
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/2862935033.html
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/2836651314.html

OR should I keep looking

I suppose I should add that I drive a V6 ford explorer that tows up to 4500lbs, but I dont think this should be a problem for any of these boats.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie: Inboard vs Outboard tubing

Each one of those has the potential to be a diamond in the rough or a real turd. Your biggest concern is rot. Fiberglass boats typically have wooden stringers (floor joists for lack of a better descriptor), deck, and transom. If left open to the elements for a while these things can rot and typically all three areas are affected. It's repairable but it's a BIG job and would likely kill any good deal you got on the boat. So check carefully! ANY soft spots in the deck is usually indicative of more serious problems below. You want a rock solid deck and transom with no flex.

The second to last one is an OMC I/O. They haven't been made in over a decade and parts/service are scarce.

This one would be my first stop http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2890156676.html this may be my second http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2856449275.html The last one has potential as well. Good luck!!!!!!!