Outboard or I/O better?

[paulgp6022]

Hi, which is a better motor? I like sterdrives because you don't see the motor, but I also like outboards because they require less maintenance. I will be using my boat on long Island sound and on the Housatonic River. I will be cruising mostly. Would A 2002 Starcraft Super sport 16' with a 60hp Merc on it suit my needs? Or should I get a fiberglass Bayliner Capri with the I/O in it? Thanks for any info!

 

[bomar76]

Re: Outboard or I/O better?

What a can of worms that question is! Personally, I wouldn't own anything other than an I/O. A car engine (with mods) that you can actually work on. It's a flashback to my wasted youth! The Mercruiser stern drives are fairly simple beasts, and parts for the engines and drives are everywhere. Outboards are very sophisticted and put out a ton of HP for their size but seem to me to be very tedious. Also, my wife insists on a boat with a sun platform, so I/O's fill the bill. <br />Exception to my thinking? SALT WATER. If I was going to be in salt water (or brackish) I would only consider outboards, especially if you leave them in a slip. You can tilt everything up out of the water and avoid living things making your lower unit their new home.<br />I'll let everyone else in the forum rag on Bayliners. Never owned one myself, no desire to.

 

[DJ]

Re: Outboard or I/O better?

The Starcraft SS is a much beter boat than the Bayliner-IMO. The Starcraft will hold it's value MUCH better.<br /><br />Saltwater is tough on any engine, outboards, IMO, have the advantage here, unless the I/O has a closed cooling system. And I doubt the B'liner does.<br /><br />Also, outboards are much easier to winterize.