Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

[Chrsamss]

I hope this is the correct spot to post this.

I am looking to upgrade to a larger boat, I am looking at a 25-28' Cuddy and I am having a hard time picking the engine style, IO, Outboard, or Inboard

Keeping in mind performance, maintenance, winterizing,& fuel consumption.

Any help with the advantages or dis-advantages of either would help a lot.


Thank you in advance.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

You'll find that you'll get many different opinions on this one. It would help if you include; the main purposes that the boat will be used for, where you'll mostly use the boat, whether you're trailering or mooring it, new or used etc.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

Depends on where you boat, what you do when you boat (cruise, fish, watersports, overnight stays, etc), and what your mechanical abilities are.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

and for more additional information, water depth; inboards are for deep water..

Also I assume for a boat that size you are keeping it in the water year round; that could afffect your choice.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

I prefer inboard. Some prefer I/O, some prefer outboards. What kind of boating do you plan to do?

 

[Chrsamss]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

I currently have 19' DC that I keep in a slip. It has a 115hp Merc. Outboard. Depending on the size I choose I will either trailer it home for the winter or have the marina store it for me. I am looking to purchase a used boat and will use it mainly for fishing and day cruising with the occasional weekend trip to Block Island.

Out of the three setups is one more expensive to maintain/winterize. I always thought an inboard diesel would be more expensive....is that correct.

I don't like how you lose deck space with the I/O, is there an advantage to the I/O setup.

Thank you for the help

 

[moosehead]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

OP, sounds like a larger DC or CC set up for fishing would suit you well. Some decent discussion here recently:

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...why-shouldnt-i-get-center-console-623988.html

 

[Chrsamss]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

Moosehead,
Thank you for the link.

I think I have my mind set on a Cuddy as I want the option to spend nights on the boat. I am really unsure if I should go with an outboard, IO or an inboard setup. I am not sure of the advantage or disadvantages of each....or is it just personal opinion.

Thanks!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

Most of it is personal opinion, but it really has to do with how you use it. Inboards are great for tournament watersports boats, and cruisers/etc that are left in the water, as they have no bellows to potentially leak and sink the boat, they are generally less fuel efficient than I/O or outboards because of their inability to adjust the trim, and need deeper water because of the same reason.

Outboards are preferable when extremely shallow water is common, as well as ease of year-round use due to being self-draining and not needing to be winterized.

I/O's tend to be a jack of all trades/master of none. They can tilt/trim for higher speeds and better fuel economy, but they also have u-joint/shift cable bellows that can possibly leak, and typically increased maintenance for the drive unit itself. I/O's and V-drive inboards typically have a clean/smooth transom which allows for a swim platform and sunpad, unlike an outboard protruding off of the back.

It just depends on what your needs/preferences are. In your situation, I'd look at some of the center console walk-arounds available. Small cuddy cabin for overnighting, decent for cruising, and self bailing walk-around decks for fishing/open water activities.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

Budget? Target age of boat? Location? This might narrow focus some. I don't see a lot of 26 - 28 foot I/B Cuddies except older or high buck.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

I was thinking of something like the Proline 26 Express, SeaPro 270 or similar walk-arounds. Outboard powered, sometimes twin outboards. Seems like it would be a more year-round solution in the northeast with lots of freezing temps. Inboards and I/O's will need a bilge heater plugged in if you want to use them in the winter and early spring.

 

[Chrsamss]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

Budget? Target age of boat? Location? This might narrow focus some. I don't see a lot of 26 - 28 foot I/B Cuddies except older or high buck.

QC,
I am trying to stay under 40K, I would like it to 2000 or newer and I am Connecticut and like to fish the local reefs and rips. I am looking for a cuddy as I would like to take weekend trips to Block Island and be able to cruise with the wife and kids.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

Sounds like an OB Walkaround to me.

 

[Chrsamss]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

I was thinking of something like the Proline 26 Express, SeaPro 270 or similar walk-arounds. Outboard powered, sometimes twin outboards. Seems like it would be a more year-round solution in the northeast with lots of freezing temps. Inboards and I/O's will need a bilge heater plugged in if you want to use them in the winter and early spring.

Haulnass15,

Thanks for the info, I was looking into the Grady 282 Sailfish, Grady 265 Express, Boston Whaler 285 conquest, as well as a 2601 Seaswirl Striper.

What makes would you stay away from? what do you like?

Grady
Century
Proline
Hydra-Sport
Pursuit
Wellcraft
ETC.....



Thanks

 

[QC]

Re: Boat style - I/O, Outboard, or Inboard.

Funny you talk about brands. I have a very experienced fisherman friend here from Australia. He's shopping specifically for a Trophy. They love them down under! Go figure. The one you want, is the one that has been taken care of, or will clean up nicely, but hasn't been abused. With that said, brand does make a difference to me, but I generally think that is mostly emotional. There are exceptions on either end of the scale. I would add Robalo to your list.