I/O OR OUTBOARD FOR SALTWATER USE

[DAMRAMFISH]

I PLAN ON BUYING A USED (AROUND 1996) BAYLINER TROPHY 20FT WALK AROUND FOR RETIREMENT IN TWO YEARS. I LIVE IN OHIO BUT PLAN ON USING THIS BOAT IN SALTWATER IN FLORIDA AND ALONG THE COAST IN THE WINTER MONTHS. I WAS TOLD THAT AN OUTBOARD IS BETTER THAN AN I/O FOR SALTWATER BECAUSE OF THE DRAINING OF THE MOTOR. THE BOAT WILL BE SITTING IN WATER FOR NOT MORE THAN A WEEK AT A TIME (MOVING AROUND). I WAS TOLD THAT THE OUTBOARD COULD BE TILTED COMPLETELY OUT OF THE WATER WHEN NOT IN USE. ALSO IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR WHEN BUYING A USED BOAT FROM FLORIDA. DAMRAM1@ADELPHIA.NET

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: I/O OR OUTBOARD FOR SALTWATER USE

Have always boated in saltwater and agree that an outboard is better in the long run. I have had both, but outboards exclusively now. As you said, they can be tilted out of the water when the boat is moored. They are also much easier to service. I/O's have their place, but the saltwater tends to eat up manifolds or heat exchangers in pretty short order. As far as buying a boat in Florida, it's pretty much like anywhere else. Shop around, negotiate on the price and test out the rig thoroughly before buying. If you're not familiar with the type of boat you'll be buying, pay for a survey by someone qualified to do it. It's well worth the few hundred bucks charged. Welcome to the forum and, in the future, to the Southland.

 

[DJ]

Re: I/O OR OUTBOARD FOR SALTWATER USE

DAMRAMFISH,<br /><br />I agree with everything that Jack Shellac said.<br /><br />I would buy the boat in the midwest and take it to Florida. Midwest boats will have far less use.<br /><br />Why a Bayliner? There are many others around.<br /><br />Stay away from a Bayliner with a Force outboard.

 

[DAMRAMFISH]

Re: I/O OR OUTBOARD FOR SALTWATER USE

I PLAN ON BUYING THE TROPHY WITH A 150 HP MERCURY (NOT A FORCE). I KNOW THERE ARE A LOT BETTER BOATS BUT ALL I FIND IN MY PRICE RANGE AND YEAR ARE TROPHY'S. I CAN ONLY AFORD AT THE MOST $12,000.00 FOR MY BOAT. THE WIFE WILL KILL ME IF I SPEND MORE. I FIGURE ITS THE BEST I CAN DO. THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION JACK. PS FOR THE HELP LET ME KNOW YOUR ADDRESS I MADE A DVD ON MAKING PLASTIC LURE HEADS I WILL SEND YOU ONE FREE.

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: I/O OR OUTBOARD FOR SALTWATER USE

One thought, although you can tilt an outboard totally oout of the water (Salt water), a lot of people forget about the water left in the lower unit that can't get out when tilted. If possible, get a hose and flush that part very well to dilute the saltwater.<br /><br />Just a thought that came to mind as I read your question and the replys. Maybe nothing to worry about, but on the other hand, what harm can it do?<br /><br />Craig