What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

[mrfizban]

In still researching my first family boat around the 16-18 foot range, I've been focusing around 3.0L 4cyl engines. I've noticed that some 90HP outboard models are lighter and actually more expensive for some reason. Can anyone explain the advantages to an 2 cycle outboard outboard that would make it a couple thousand more dollars than an inboard on the similar boats? Is there more interior room with the motor not taking up all that space? Or can a 90HP outboard almost compete for pulling skiers with a 3.0L. Just wondering about some pros and cons and if anyone can convince me to pay the extra couple grand for some benefits for a first timer. Thanks guys. <br /><br />Jeff

 

[Boatist]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

Mrfizban<br />I would buy a 4 Cycle motor today instead of a 2 Cycle. They are quieter and most are more fuel efficent most of the time. They do weigh a lot more. In a 18 or 20 foot boat I Like a I/O. They do take up some floor space and are heavy. Still done right the motor cover area can be used for lots of things. In the same size boat a 3.0 I/O 130 HP may be slower than a 100 hp 2 stroke because of the extra weight. In a 16 foot boat a Outboard probably makes more since.<br /><br />If you do go with a 2 stroke motor at least get one that has some form of fuel injection. They burn cleaner and get much better fuel mileage. Still in some lakes in California they are not allowed.

 

[JasonB]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

I would want a bit more giddyup for skiing than the 90. It will get the job done, but I would look more at a 115 as comparable to the 3.0 at 130hp. <br /><br />Boatist is right on with teh floor space and 2 stroke.<br /><br />I have a 16' with an older 85hp (more like 75 compared to new motors). I can pull up a 220lb skiier with 3 people in the boat. I also own a 19' with a 225hp V8 sterndrive that will pull your arms off . I enjoy my sterndrive, but I hope my next boat will be powered by a Etec or similar, but that is personal preference.

 

[KCook]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

Both OB and I/O have their fans. To further confuse things, OBs now come in several flavors. Tell us specific boat/motor combinations and prices and we can help sort it out. Here is another thread on the OB vs I/O issues - The I/O vs. Outboard Thread <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[mrfizban]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

Thanks. Good info. And thanks to you Kelly for the link, it helped to read the 30 or so opinions on it from the past. <br /><br />Jeff

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

Seems to me there are a couple of issues not mentioned in that older thread. Maybe they're smal, but they are real enough.<br /><br />1.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

Woops - last post went haywire!<br /><br />to continue ...<br /><br />1. You can't steal an inboard.<br /><br />2. In dirty weather with a following sea, I'd rather have an inboard die on me than an outboard. All that deadweight hanging over the stern makes me nervous.<br /><br />Having said that, I just LOVE outboard two-strokes.<br /><br />Ciao

 

[KCook]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

In dirty weather with a following sea, I'd rather have an inboard die on me than an outboard. All that deadweight hanging over the stern makes me nervous.

On the other hand the OB is less likely to die on you. Everything is protected under a tight fitting hood. The inboard is exposed in the bottom of a compartment under a flimsy hatch. I would rather have the OB in extreme seas.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

Kelly,<br /><br />It doesn't have to be water that kills a motor, although one breaking wave can choke the air inlet on an outboard very easily. <br /><br />Anything can happen at sea!<br /><br />But I repeat my preference - I LOVE 2-stroke o/b's.

 

[Lou C]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

Other thoughts-<br />Fresh or salt water, trailered or slipped-<br />for fresh, or trailered in salt an IO is OK<br />Slipped in salt, OB is a lot less work. With the IO you are always fighting marine growth and corrosion. Been there done that. Still many like the car based 4 cycle engine. Pressurized lubrication and four cycle is more reliable in my opinoin than 2 cycle and oil injection. With carb 2 cycle, any leaning of the fuel mix or prop with the oil injection and it is new powerhead time. New style DI and 4 stroke ourboards are very expensive, and not everyone can fix them either.<br /><br />BTW you can steal an I/Os lower unit, 6 nuts and bingo, happens all the time! Many store then in the basement over the winter for this reason.<br />So you see there is no "best" it depends on what you will use it for. <br />Best, for my use(slipped in salt) would be a straight inboard, but they do not come commonly on smaller boats (~20').<br />Next best would be a 4 stroke OB.

 

[mrfizban]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

So good advice so far. One thing though, what my local dealer is telling me now is that Outboards are expensive per HP and that if I choose to get a 4 stroke to be quiet, I'm going to pay even more and get less noticeable power than a 2 stroke and I'd just be better off with an I/O. He also said that 99% of bowriders sold in the Pacific NW for the lakes and rivers (like I'll be using it for) are I/O and there is no re-sale market for Outboard Bowriders. Does that make sense? Thanks again guys.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[Lou C]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

Only if you are in freshwater, if in salt it makes no sense at all to me. It is true that the OB is more $$ initially but after you have owned an IO for a few years, you begin to understand the winterizing costs, extra complication, etc starts to add up. I can winterize my IO myself in about 2 hrs, (you can make this simpler by getting closed cooling with antifreeze in the block). But for salt use, you still have to deal with the antifouling paint, replacing manifolds (if you don't have a full closed cooling system) every 4-5 years, etc. <br />There are some OB bowriders out there, and you can also look at the dual console models for a more utilitarian, seaworthy boat. Fancy I/O bowriders look great, but are a LOT of work to keep looking good and running good.

 

[KCook]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

Outboards are expensive per HP and that if I choose to get a 4 stroke to be quiet, I'm going to pay even more and get less noticeable power than a 2 stroke

That is true, though the magnitude of these differences may not be so great as to sway a decision.<br /><br />

and I'd just be better off with an I/O

That is his opinion, not to be confused with hard fact.<br /><br />

99% of bowriders sold in the Pacific NW for the lakes and rivers (like I'll be using it for) are I/O

True for lakes anyway. Not much river boating where I live, but an OB would be an advantage if the river has hidden sand bars.<br /><br />

there is no re-sale market for Outboard Bowriders

Likely true in some areas. I am not that familiar with the PacNW, so will not comment on that market.<br /><br />Really the argument for OB in a bowrider is fishing (and saltwater where applicable). If fishing the shallows is your main thing, think hard about getting the OB. If skiing and looking good are tops, then stick with I/O.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[Twidget]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

and I'd just be better off with an I/O

It has been my experience that with sales people this equates to what they have in stock, or the highest spiff is on. <br /><br />I have had both IO and OB. I prefer OB(my opinion). The boat is lighter, requiring less fuel to tow and operate. With the lighter weight, as mentioned above comes shallower draft.<br /><br />Either one will do a good job for you, good luck and let us know the outcome.

 

[JB]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

In my prejudiced opinion, a good 4 stroke outboard offers all of the advantages of an inboard and all of the advantages of an outboard.

 

[swist]

Re: What's the difference between Outboard and I/O?

What JB said.... In coastal Maine I/O's were always in the minority anyway, but now with 4 stroke or DI outboards, they are almost becomeing extinct. Tilting that expensive engine completely out of that corrosive, rocky & otherwise hostile seawater when you are not using it, is a huge advantage.