Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

[wazzu98]

I have been searching for a used boat. I have narrowed my search to two nearly identical boats. Both are 93 Bayliner, open bow, 18ft, same color!<br /><br />Difference:<br /><br />Boat #1 is an I/O with 3.0L 135HP engine with about 100 hrs. (Price $6000)<br /><br />Boat #2 is an O/B Merc I think, 120 HP engine with about 40 hrs. Engine hasn't ran since '95 + just got starter replaced. (Price $6500)<br /><br />Which engine would be best. I am concerned about the engine that hasn't ran for 8 years, but once it gets worked in, it should be in better shape, so I guess I don't know I/O or O/B? Help!

 

[ob]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

With a little proper procedure before starting up the outboard should be fine assuming it was fine when last used and 40 hrs is accurate.i personally lean toward obs because of ease of maintenance .In either case I would secure a water check on rig to insure it is performing .Outboard sitting for that long will need to have plugs removed and cylinders soaked and stroked with two cycle oil before cranking . Also it is likely to need carb service after sitting idle for that long to insure old fuel deposits are not obstructing orifices and needle seats.prospective seller needs to eat any start-up costs before i would consider purchase.

 

[wazzu98]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

Thanks ob! The O/B is being sold on consignment through a dealer. I know they have replaced the starter and gas. I will check on other maintenance possiblities. I also plan to put both in the water this weekend to check them out.<br /><br />Is there a big power difference between the O/B and I/O or any other reason to go with an I/O if it takes more maintenance?

 

[ob]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

I personally can't think of any edge gained other than visual asthetics to i/o set-up.Abit more user friendly above transom usage perhaps.But leaking boots and overall accessibilty for service is enough for me.Most boaters where I reside on the Gulf Coast on boats of that size opt for outboards.Changing and upgrading of motors is also an easier option with OBs.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

It is personal preference here, but I'd always go with the outboard for the following reasons;<br /><br />1. Easier access for working on the motor<br />2. Less fire risk with the motor outside the boat.<br />3. Easier to the remove or replace motor<br />4. A good "name brand" motor, Mercury which adds value to your boat<br />5. I suspect easier resale<br /><br />Just my 2 cents...

 

[steelespike]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

W98,Better be sure that is a Merc.<br />If it is a Force think long and hard before you buy.<br /> Force is an orphan with no factory parts support<br /> Parts are ok now but what will value be in a few years and what about parts.<br /> Look the boat over carefully.Ive heard they are prone to rotten floors and weak transoms.

 

[icatcher]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

I own a 1999 Bayliner Capri with a 120 Force outboard. So far, I have performed only end-of- season maintenance and annual tune-ups c/w plug change. Remaining fuel has been stabilized annually. <br /><br />I paid $15,000cdn (about $9,375usd) for the boat, escort trailer and motor in 1999. The dealer also 'threw in' two adult life jackets, an anchor, two fenders, paddles, fire extinguisher and mooring lines for this price. <br /><br />Since you have said that the boat comes complete with a 120hp motor, my guess is it a 120 Force outboard (I think Mercury's were 125hp around that time). As I said, I have not had any problems with my Force engine, BUT, if I could have afforded the i/o or a Mercury oil injected two-stroke outboard at the time I would have gone that route (no oil to mix into gas manually).<br /><br />Since the i/o is cheaper than the outboard you are looking at, and assuming it is a Force engine, IMHO I would go with the i/o if the boat checks out OK. If the outboard is an actual Mercury engine, then I would really consider going with that. IMHO I think the $6500usd price for the '93 Bayliner with a Force engine is too high, I'm not sure what they sold for in '93, but I'm thinking that they may not have been much more money at the time purchased new. The $6000usd being asked for the i/o might be fair if the rest of the package is in good shape - IMHO.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

Given the option of two identicle boats with identicle motors mounted either outboard or I/O (I know this isn't EXACTLY your situation) I would opt for outboard for performance reasons. An outboard moves a lot of weight out behind your transom which allows you to trim your hull further out of the water and reduce drag/ increase speed and efficiency. The fulcrum of your boat is further back in the water. Some guys add jack plates to their transoms with the intent of moving the outboard even further back and getting the hull to ride only on the back of the pad.<br /> Of course you have many other factors to consider between these two boats, this is just a thought! Good Luck.

 

[plywoody]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

I think the outboard setup is quite a lot less weight than the I/O as well, and easier to trailer.<br /><br />Go Huskies!<br /><br />John

 

[trollhole]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

If it has a Force and your not good with Maint stay away and go with the I\B. But we need to know what kind of O/B it is before giving an intelligent answer<br />

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

Fellas: Guess I'm the ODD one of the bunch..I/O all the way ... My point being just look at the numbers on the first page of the forum...19132 topics for outboards----739 for I/Os and inboards combined.........Find something with a straight Inboard would be even better... An old ski nautique or mastercraft perhaps...EZ to work on & cheap too keep...

 

[ob]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

No mystery. more posts for outboard problems because there are simply more outboards on mid size boats

 

[dmessy]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

Watching the local classifieds, Many more I/O for sale. Go with the outboard but not if it is a Force

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

OB & Dmessy Yes your point is legitimate...Just trying to steer wazzu98 away from that 120 that has not been used in 8 years... It dont look like wazzu's too sure either... wazzu98: if you go with the O/B WAIT & FIND SOMETHING ELSE...

 

[ob]

Re: Help! Which to select O/B or I/O

I too am sceptical about any motor that has not been in service for so long , however I don't know whether it was properly prepared for such storage or not.difficult at best to recommend any specific motor without seeing it first hand.Would highly recommend getting compression test results before considering as it is good barometer as to the condition of cylinders and piston rings.Good overall under cowl visual would also be in order.