to outboard or not to outboard??

[sergioy]

Hey guys, I need some expert input (opinion) on this. I have a 1963 Mark Twain with a 75 hp Johnson of the same year. The boat runs great and I have had a great amount of fun already on it. I have owned it for about three months already. But today when I was putting in at the lake this guy next to me also had a Mark Twain that was a little younger than mine but it was an I/O. The boat looked great and sounded even better. After a brief conversation with him, he told me that he was looking to sell this boat for $700. My eyes almost popped out of my head , thats how much I paid for mine. I am thinking of buying it, but I don't know anything about I/O. <br />Could any of you enlighten me. What do you guys prefer? And why. As far as the boat was concerned, this guy had put alot of work into reupolstering the seats replacing the floor and repainting it. He claims it was just a project he undertook awhile back and now that he is done, he wants to move on.<br />I am not some mechanic guru, but I can hold my own with a wrench. Is working on I/O harder than outboards? Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. <br /><br />Thanks!!!

 

[sharkcat]

Re: to outboard or not to outboard??

I/O are normally cheaper to run ie.fuel costs but when thye go wrong look out & have deeeep pockets & loooong arms.I would avoid early Volvo penta units as parts are non existant.Working on the engine is almost the same as working on a car engine but the transmission is a different story.Specialist gear is reqd.Hope this helps

 

[rterrian]

Re: to outboard or not to outboard??

The grass always looks greener, it sounds like you are enjoying the boat you have with no problems. If it an't broke, don't fix it. I would say stick with what you have.

 

[aspeck]

Re: to outboard or not to outboard??

Been on both sides of the fence here. Outboards were always more fun for me - the sound, the smell of mixed fuel, etc. I/O's by nature of their placement in the boat allow for a better weight distribution. If you like working on car engines, I/O's are teh ticket, but as said, stretch your arms a little and be gentle on the tranny! It is easier to change an outboard than an I/O.<br /><br />Both have their advantages and disadvantages. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it - unless you want to have a spare so when one breaks, you have a back-up! Did this routine with a couple boats also - was nice to always have a "fresh" boat or motor. But it is a pain on the wallet!<br /><br />Have fun with your choice and let us know what you decide!

 

[merc16]

Re: to outboard or not to outboard??

I/O 's usually cost a lot more to get repaired than outboards you should stick with what you have if its running good

 

[charliesused@cs.com]

Re: to outboard or not to outboard??

Stick with the outboard. You cant go wrong<br />As for the year it needs a tune up but an I/O is not even an option. Tune it up and give that guy a ride for his money except acting like a loser come on give it up for the OUTBOARD!!!

 

[Solittle]

Re: to outboard or not to outboard??

water_surge <br /><br />If you are a bit of a risk taker, check it out and buy it if mechanically OK. Run it and compare - then sell one or the other and hopefully at a profit. I rolled several boats over this way and made a buck or two.

 

[sergioy]

Re: to outboard or not to outboard??

Well guys, I went and jumped the fence. I only had my '63 Twain for three months and I enjoyed the heck out of it. But I always felt like death was looming over the old gal. Plus that '63 75 hp Johnson was a real gasaholic. That thing drank gas like there was no tommorow. I went ahead and offered the guy $600 for the i/O and he took it. Got back home hitched up the other boat and took her out to the Wal-Mart parking lot slapped a for sale sign on her by the time I had unhitched her I had an offer. The man offered me $800 (I paid $700)and I gave him a bill of sale. It was that easy.<br />So a couple of hours later I took my newsed boat out and I couldn't whipe the grin off my face for the next two hours. Man does that baby run. I think for now This was an excellent choice. I will keep up the PM on her hopefully I won't have any major expenses on her any time soon. And if she does, then I have a 40 hp Rude in my garage that just needs to slapped on the back of my other boat that lives tarped-up under my father-in-laws tree just 200 miles away. So for now I am just happy as pie. By the way, you guys are an awesome bunch. My boating experience has been made awesome by listening to your advice every I needed help.THANKS!!!