4 STROKE / STERN DRIVE DILEMMA

[DA]

FIRST TIME BOAT BUYER LOOKING AT TWO BOATS. ONE HAS A 130HP 4 STROKE HONDA THE OTHER HAS 6 CYLINDER MERCRUISER I/O. WHICH OF THESE WILL GIVE THE BEST FUEL ECONOMY. I WILL BE IN THE SALT WATER MOST OF TIME. WILL ONE BE BETTER THAN THE OTHER IN THE LONG TERM? THIS BOARD IS A GREAT HELP. <br /><br /> THANKS...........

 

[TxRiverRat]

Re: 4 STROKE / STERN DRIVE DILEMMA

MSA,<br /><br />You probably won't like my answer, but... You don't exactly buy a boat for fuel economy - you buy it for enjoyment. In other words, it boils down to the old adage "if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it." <br /><br />Go with the more powerful engine and forget about fuel economy.

 

[skier]

Re: 4 STROKE / STERN DRIVE DILEMMA

MSA:<br /><br />I also don't want to rain on your parrade, but let's face it. There is not a factory marine engine on the market that will get more than maybe 6 MPG on a good day. Factory boats don't have transmissions and water slipps so much and then the fact that boats (Unlike cars) are constantly fighting water friction and fighting to stay on plane. The engine never gets a rest. <br /><br />Go for what serves your main purpose and then add a little more HP. You might never use the extra, but the day you need it, it will be worth every penny.<br /><br />Happy baoting.<br /><br />Craig

 

[DP]

Re: 4 STROKE / STERN DRIVE DILEMMA

I agree with both TxaRiverRat and Craig. Happen to be an outboard fan for several reasons. The engine does not take up room in the boat, winterization is quick and simple and there are less headaches in a saltwater ebviorment.<br />You will have to make the decision as to which boat is right for you. TEST DRIVE befor you buy. Anyone that is selling a boat should give you a sea trial, if they won't find another boat.

 

[si-man]

Re: 4 STROKE / STERN DRIVE DILEMMA

I have a 4 CYLINDER MERCRUISER I/O that I love I have had outboards and find them to be Noisy compared to the I/O i also found that the I/O is just the same as working on a car more or less and the outboards I have worked on are a whole different animal<br />Just my 2 cents<br />Si-man

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: 4 STROKE / STERN DRIVE DILEMMA

MSA - There are pros & cons for both, But fuel economy is not a consideration,for most boaters.<br /> OB's are easy to maintain,winterize,etc.<br /> The I/O's have the drive in the water always,(a maint.prob)they are heavier,take up space,quieter(most problems occur with the drive unit).<br />I guess it's a matter of what you will be happy with,look hard a the selected boats,comfort,space,storage,what you intend to use it for,etc. Good Luck, you will enjoy boating.

 

[singerjr]

Re: 4 STROKE / STERN DRIVE DILEMMA

I agree with all the above, TX is on the money power should be more a consideration than MPG. Just my opinion but I don't think MPG should be high on the list of reasons to buy it may be a bonus after the purchase. You want to make sure you buy the boat that will do exactly what you want it to do. <br /><br />For instance if you do a lot of fishing you may not want the I/O taking op valuable space in the boat. But if you are just cruising around or skiing the I/O may be better. <br /><br />A big consideration when you're talking motors is that you have parts and service nearby that you trust. You don't want to drive 100 miles to the nearest Honda or Merc dealer every time you need something.<br /><br />As far as noise goes that O/B won't be noisy the Honda fours are very quiet all makes of O/B fours are quiet. I do think the Merc I/O is a more time-tested power plant, but the Hondas have a great rep and all reports are they are very reliable.<br /><br />So get the boat that does what you want it to do, and have fun this summer!!!