Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

[xp8103]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Can someone post a working link to the new OB Sea Ray? I can't seem get Google to show me one....

And I DO believe it's regional. As well, when I started looking at boats and given the fact that it would be used both in a lake and in the salt water (eventually more salt water than lake), most everyone said O/B. I've been looking at something CC in the 21' range with an OB. If I wanted to buy a Bayliner or some other IO, all day up here. Same for a bass boat or pontoon. But trying to find what I am looking for up here? HA! In Key Largo, all day long. Regional.

 

[phillyg]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Not wanting to work in cramped engine compartments is just sheer laziness.

Being able to work in some cramped engine compartments requires contortions I am no longer able to do. I sent my SIL in for a couple of things (bless his heart) and he came up wheezing, and he's in good shape. My starboard motor must be lifted a couple of inches to change the raw water impeller, which is why it hasn't been changed in three seasons. I'm sure it's going to disintegrate next year. So, I guess I don't blame some techs for not wanting to work in problem engine compartments.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

I agree that they days of the two stroke outboard are numbered. They will be phased out just like two stroke dirt bikes.

Why? The cleanest outboards right now are 2 strokes! E-tecs are comparable if not better than a cat equipped 4 stroke I/O.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Can someone post a working link to the new OB Sea Ray? I can't seem get Google to show me one....

And I DO believe it's regional. As well, when I started looking at boats and given the fact that it would be used both in a lake and in the salt water (eventually more salt water than lake), most everyone said O/B. I've been looking at something CC in the 21' range with an OB. If I wanted to buy a Bayliner or some other IO, all day up here. Same for a bass boat or pontoon. But trying to find what I am looking for up here? HA! In Key Largo, all day long. Regional.

I get it thru boattest.com. It is being tested in a Sea Ray 370 Venture (2013-)
There have been lots of sea trials going on at Merritt Island, Florida the 37' (11.27 m) is powered by twin Mercury 300-hp supercharged Verado outboard engines!

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

i really like the versatility and simplicity of an outboard. the ease of maintenance is great. HOWEVER, when looking for my first boat, i wanted something with at least 250hp. there's no way i could afford an outboard boat with near the power i wanted.

let's face it, i'm power hungry, and i wouldn't be able to afford much more than a 115hp outboard boat, but since i went with an I/O, i could afford 270hp.

Thing is, that 115/125 O/B(more-so the 125), will probably out perform the 270hp I/O. Or, at the very least be equal too. Just can't look at horsepower. Need to look at hp to weight ratio too...... Besides, a 250hp O/B for your first boat?

I also think it has to do with geography. In MN I/O's and Inboards are all over the place. I like OB's but I prefer an I/O for the fact that the motor is not in the way for what I do. If I had my choice I would have a blown 502 or two for that matter...old muscle car man. I like the sound and power that cannot be copied by an OB.

You see I/Os more often now because there seems to be more pleasure boaters and less fisherman. Never used to be that way. I see it on Vermilion too. lately been seeing some cigarette style boats. It's getting nuts out there....... For the record, I'm with the O/B crowd. Owned both and the O/B is much easier to work on IMO....... As stated by some, I don't have to be all contorted working on a O/B.

And the debate continues.......

 

[Maclin]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

It's all good.

When I think of a "boat' the first image my brain brings up is the silhouette of an 18 foot or so outboard.

I have had both kinds, and liked the ease of access to the O/B, but really have grown fond of a swim platform also.

I took the teens (14 and 16) with me boat shopping earlier this year. They liked the interior of either kind but were intimidated by the outboard engine being right there, these 2 have only been on our current I/O boat. I tried to explain that the "other" engine was right there too, just not visible under the cover. By their reaction I could tell my description of how similar they really are regarding proximity was fundamentally disregarded. Then when we looked at one right next to the other from the back, they were noticeably "moved" by one having the big platform and the other just a step platform. I really want to downsize and also get an outboard for the next one, so I will wait until my current I/O with platform is done and they are older and not as much of an influence in my decision

 

[QC]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Thing is, that 115/125 O/B(more-so the 125), will probably out perform the 270hp I/O. Or, at the very least be equal too. Just can't look at horsepower. Need to look at hp to weight ratio too......

OK, I understand your point, but there is no way in heck that is true if we are discussing similar hulls. I have always said that a 115 OB will run with a 140 I/O and a 150 will run with a 200+. Yes HP/Weight matters a LOT, but you can't say a 115, or even a 150, will run with a 270 in "similar" hulls. Just not gonna happen. Tons of data over in Boat test.com to get close.

17 ft. Crestliner - 115 Opti

19 ft. Sea Ray - 220 Alpha

This Sea Ray is at least 500 lbs heavier, probably 1000, longer, and a deeper V and it beats the Crestliner by 10 MPH

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

OK, I understand your point, but there is no way in heck that is true if we are discussing similar hulls. I have always said that a 115 OB will run with a 140 I/O and a 150 will run with a 200+. Yes HP/Weight matters a LOT, but you can't say a 115, or even a 150, will run with a 270 in "similar" hulls. Just not gonna happen. Tons of data over in Boat test.com to get close.

17 ft. Crestliner - 115 Opti

19 ft. Sea Ray - 220 Alpha

This Sea Ray is at least 500 lbs heavier, probably 1000, longer, and a deeper V and it beats the Crestliner by 10 MPH

Completely agree. That was basically my point. I guess I looked at 500dollar's post differently. I don't see using a 115hp(or 250hp for that matter) O/B and a 270hp I/O in a similar hull. I was merely pointing out the fact that 500dollar was comparing apples to oranges w/o saying it.......

 

[QC]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Roger.

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Ugly?

I think not.

 

[QC]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Prettier? Maybe.

I love OBs, but pretty hard to argue that an I/O transom isn't cleaner . . .

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Prettier? Maybe.

I love OBs, but pretty hard to argue that an I/O transom isn't cleaner . . .

Agreed. You take the O/B's off of that boat and it looks like a sleek, sexy machine. The O/B's just cause the sleek lines of the boat to come to an abrupt halt at the end of the boat. It's not "ugly" with them on there, it just looks better without them.

In any case, he's rocking 600HP with those monsters. He could have 1050HP from Merc 525's for about the same cost more than likely. It's just a lot easier to add cubic inches and HP to an I/O when you don't have to add more engines.

Side note: He's also driving from the wrong side.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Looks like a giant Croc shoe with two outboards.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Ugly?

I think not.

Now that right there, I don't care what powers it. I like it!!!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Meh. No rod holders.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Which one looks better?

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

The ultimate boat for trolling for muskies. He would have to speed up a little, however....

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

Thats a Doug Wright poker edition catamaran. For those who dont know Dougs Cats dominate their classes in offshore racing.

I`d just like to say I grew up around outboards and I`ll agree that sterndrives do have a cleaner transom, But, to me they just look like something is missing back there. I like the look of a pair of big ole outboards hanging on the back, just looks right.

http://youtu.be/WleeA2d6IeU 112mph in testing but Hes been over 115 since then.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

I prefer a few transom bunnies on the swim platform vs a pair of outboards myself.

 

[QC]

Re: Are inboards already or going to be something fewer of us use?

I like the OB Cats too, but . . . My pic is a DCB (Dave's Custom Boats), and Dave builds some nice Cats and V's of both variety