Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

[JonM81]

HI guys... I searched a good while, didn't find the answers I was looking for...<br /><br />I am looking at 2 fish & ski boats:<br /><br />2002 Tahoe Q3SF 18ft 115HP Merc O/B... Really clean...<br /><br />1997 Glastron GS205SF 20ft 215HP Volvo V8... <br /><br />The boats are both about the same price 11,000ish... <br /><br /><br />Would you guys go older with more power or newer prettier?? What should I look for with each one as far as wear and tear problems? What kinda re-sell problems could I run into in the future, other than GASSSSS?? <br /><br />If you had the chance to wait and spend that much money, what would you recommend or look for??<br /><br />I love to ski and bass fish. Any info, advice and guidence appreciated!!<br /><br />Jon

 

[jtexas]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

You don't see a lot of bass boats with I/O's - can't access skinny water, and the engine takes up a lot of good stowage space.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

imho, i personally prefer outboards. you will have more usable space in as 18' outboard, than a 22' i/o. the maint. cost of the i/o is much more, as you have to service the outdrive annually. shop get about $300 to 500 for this. the engine are a horrible thing to access to work on. if you blow an engine alot of boats have to have the upper section removed to change out the engine. servicing an outboard is much easier, you stand on the ground to work on it,(not on you knees) you don't have bellows, all those other thing to go wrong. you blow an engine on an o/b you just pull it off, and install another. i've own one i/o it was my first and last. would you think i don't like i/o's.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

I'd go with the outboard if fishing is your priority and if lower maintenance headaches is a concern. Inboards do require a more intensive and dedicated maintenance from you. There's simply many more parts to go wrong and far more work every spring and fall. The outboard boat you are looking at should be fine for general skiing too. <br /><br />The inboard would be way more torquey for skiing and consume quite a bit more gas with the V8. If you do hit bottom, drive related costs are way more $$$ on inboards too. Also, like it or not, gas prices are becoming a real issue for boaters and this will affect the future resale value of your boat and maybe the times you can afford to be out having fun.<br /><br />I have an inboard 3.0 4 cyl. I bought it because I only had enough $$$ for an older boat and wanted a smoke free, quiet, and fuel efficient engine. This didn't exist in outboards of that year and time frame. However, if I had your choice now, I'd choose the outboard over the inboard in a second.

 

[JonM81]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

I am leaning towards the tahoe myself. I think it is a much sharper boat. I have been pulled by 40HP fishing boats, so I am sure the 115 will do fine. Thank you for your help!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

jon, i have a 1960 Lonestar 14' alum, w/'55 15hp, that will pull and experienced skier.

 

[Surffx]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

Not trying to hijack the thread, just trying to clarify the differances between the two types of engines.<br /><br />That being said, I am curious about your comment about serviceing the outdrive tashasdad. <br /><br />

you have to service the outdrive annually. shop get about $300 to 500 for this.

For the past couple of years the only service I have done on my outdrive (not the entire package) is change the gearlube, cost me about 15 bucks. <br /><br />Now maybe you meant the paying the dealer for the whole winterization process, I could see that costing $300.<br /><br />Just wanted some clarification. Maybe there is more stuff I should be doing for my outdirve on an anual basis.

 

[JonM81]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

I am going with the 02 Q3SF... 11000.00 and free window tint for my 05 f150 supercrew 4x4

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

Congrats and good luck!<br /><br />Surffx, maintenanvce includes changing the exhaust and u joint-drive bellows at some point...and one day change the gimbal bearing if it is loose(the bearing should be greased every year).

 

[KM2]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

Based on what you have said about the boats I would go with the Glastron. I think Glastron makes a better boat, it's bigger, more power etc. You may regret your choice in a year when you start wishing your boat was a little bigger and faster ... It happens to everyone it's called "two footitis" <br /><br />The tahoe is a little better fishing boat and you can run a 12 volt trolling motor.

 

[ramster]

Re: Fish & Ski O/B vs I/O

A friend of mine has a GX205, really nice boat, smooth riding, runs around 50 mph. That is the high end Glastron, has some nice options.