Advantages of an I/O?

[Hitech]

I was recently wondering what the advantage of an I/O are? I just can't think of any. I would think that with all that extra complexity and maintenance there must be something that I am missing. Combined with the fact that there are so many of them being built...

I'm not trying to start a war on what is better. ONLY what are the advantages of an I/O? And before anyone accuses me of something, it's what I own.

 

[tommays]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

It is like being left or right handed

All the types of boat power have to strong and weak points



Tommays

 

[rndn]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

Do a search for older posts on this subject. I think the overall decision is that it's a personal choice between outboard and I/O. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

when you get into larger boats, sometimes it is cheaper to go i/o than twin OB's. then you have the off shore fishers with 3 300 yammy's.

 

[QC]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

1) I/Os allow for a clean transom swimstep as compared to OBs.

2) I/Os are faster and more efficient than Inboards of the same horsepower.

3) I/Os can be trimmed

4) I/Os allow for shallower water operation (compared to inboards).

5) I/Os are less expensive than OBs of the same power although they are heavier.

6) Factory I/Os are available over 600 bhp

 

[dingbat]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

when you get into larger boats, sometimes it is cheaper to go i/o than twin OB's. then you have the off shore fishers with 3 300 yammy's.

I actually prefer Team Hooters 38' Fountain with the Quad 250 XS Mercurys on the back.

I fished next to boat in a tournament last year. The sound of them putting all those horses to work getting a 38’ boat up and out of the hole to run down Bay a bit is something else.



http://www.fountainpower.com/teamfountain/fish_team_hooters.htm

 

[steelespike]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

To me the only advantage is inexpensive brute horsepower in a single package.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

outboards are far less maintenance. 1st is winterization, OB, just lower the foot to normal operating position, water self drains. you can use it in the winter. you can stand on the ground and work on it. instead of being a contortionist to change plugs. no bellows or exhaust manifolds to worry about. this is just a start. i have 3 OB's and a 5.7 Volvo. i do not work on the Volvo.

 

[amynbill]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

Seems that i/o's are a bit quieter as well, an important part of boating imo.

I really like having a swim platform as it works well for a lot of activities on the back of the boat (diving, preparing for a board run, dangling feet in the water with a beer...)

Seems you get a faster, smoother ride and a better handling boat.

 

[QC]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

Totally agree with OB benefits, if I was fishing or single I'd go that way in a heartbeat. I think I/Os are stupid klugey engineering disasters, but they are mo betta for momma and da kids . . .

 

[Boatist]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

I may be the only one on the planet that likes I/O better. If I buy another boat and can still get an I/O mounted the way I like I will.

Things I like better
Weight is lower and farther forward in the boat - This means the bow stays down better and the boat does not roll as much. On some boats it means the boat will self rights itself. Coast Guard boat for example. Also more weight will slow you down but also help boat cut the waves instead of going completely over the wave.

Fishing in a river at anchor you can put fishing poles from one side of the boat to the other and there is no Motor in the way for the pole to hit or lines to get cut by. I like to balance the rods acrossed the back of the boat for some types of fishing, with an outboard the two in the center will always be hiting the Outboard. At the end of the tide when boat will start to swing outboard is always in the way.

Out in the ocean a lot of repairs can be done even in large swells. Things like change the plugs, points, condenser, or remove a frozen thermostat. Jump the starter. Check your timing. Troubleshoot a engine that would not start. So far have only done that one time but I have the tools on board to do it at any time. In 6 to 8 foot swells what can you do to a outboard?

With the porper set up gives the ladies a nice place to work on that tan or show it off.

Still get good fuel mileage and better than the older outboards even with the extra weight. Also puts less fuel and oil in the water than older outboards.

With a full swim platform Can put very large marine Ice Chests there for fish locker or bait wells and still not have any hoses inside the boat to leak. Also no bait well to try and get all the smell out of.

Today outboards have come a long way with less polution and better fuel mileage and less noise but I still prefer a good I/O.

I may be the last.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

As to you question. The advantages of a i/o over an inboard is better backing to the weak side. You can pick up the propellor and skeg to load, trailer or get yourself off after a grounding. Propellors are more common and sometimes less expensive. Frequently less interior space is taken for a I/O unit, especially in the shorter boats.

Diesels are available. That may give an advantage over Outboards. I don't know for sure.

 

[PhatboyC]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

With the porper set up gives the ladies a nice place to work on that tan or show it off.

I like the way you casually put this one in. he he he

They both fulfill particular needs. This is why they both have been around for a long time and always will be.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

I/O = More Power! Argh! Argh! As Tim on Tooltime used to grunt! Plus what the other posters here said.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

When I bought my one and only, I wanted the high smooth transom and deck, the quietness, and fuel efficiency.

Findings after the fact:

With the high transom you have no idea where your outdrive is. If you have instruments for this in today's world they need to be accurate.

Many OB's are at at least as quiet and there is no CV joint rattle in tight turns.

Fuel efficiency of OB's has come a long way since this boat was built in '65.

Mark

 

[PhatboyC]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

With all the advancement they did with OB and so few in I/B. How is the fuel millage compared to an I/O of today? Lets say you take a 300hp mercury OB against a 300hp I/B pushing a 24' fiberglass bowrider? Anyone read any test performed lately in the mags?

 

[QC]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

The I/O and OB will be very close, possibly favoring the OB due to weight. The IB will have widely variable fuel economy with possible very good at a slow, but efficient, plane. It will absolutely suck at WOT . . .

 

[dingbat]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

I/O = More Power! Argh! Argh! As Tim on Tooltime used to grunt! Plus what the other posters here said.

So what I/O are you going to use to match the performance an 3.4 liter/
528lbs (lower unit included) E-TEC 300 outboard mounted on a jacket plate.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

So what I/O are you going to use to match the performance an 3.4 liter/
528lbs (lower unit included) E-TEC 300 outboard mounted on a jacket plate.

Uhh!,,, The CHEAPER!!! highest horsepower Mercruiser Hi Performace Offshore series big block, in the smallest, lightest boat that'll float with it in!

CHEAPER is Faster,,, No?!

 

[QC]

Re: Advantages of an I/O?

So what I/O are you going to use to match the performance an 3.4 liter/
528lbs (lower unit included) E-TEC 300 outboard mounted on a jacket plate.

This oughta handle 4 of 'em, lighter and less drag too . . .

Factory available, twin supercharged, 557 cubes, 1200 bhp