I/O vs Outboard

[pvs0806]

I'm new to both boating and this forum.<br /><br />One thing that I've noticed is a preference by those posting for Outboard engines over I/O. I understand the arguements that are being made for Outboards and don't necessarily disagree.<br /><br />What I don't understand is that in my part of the country (Iowa) almost all you can find in a ski boat larger than 17 feet is I/Os. What do the I/O supporters say is the advantage of them? Are they cheaper to manufacturer?<br /><br />Anyone have any ideas?

 

[steelespike]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

PVS, This is basically my opinion based on 53 years of boating.IOs can supply almost unlimited hp. and torque.They are generally much heavier<br /> size for size.They do get better gas milage than <br />some 2 strokes of similar hp.and burn straight gas.There is no question they are much more complicated than any 2 stroke.And more complicated than 4 stroke OB.IOs have a motor connected to a lower unit by a drive shaft with <br />universal joints covered by a bellows that all<br />need replacing regularly.And I believe the shift and steering cable hang off the stern with bellows to replace as well.Sure there is a steering cable on an outboard but it is better protected.Throttle and shift are almost carefree<br />on an outboard.<br /> If I was considering an outboard and an IO of similar hp. I would go for the Outboard.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

A true ski boat has tons of torque and lots of HP to smoothly pull a skier or two, three, four at a time right up.<br /><br />Economy, purpose and maintenance are just a few factors to consider.<br /><br />Your wallet your decision.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Spidybot]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

A ski boat hull is designed for this purpose. Leaves the best possible water for the skier. When fitted with a huge inboard 4-stroke in the middle of the boat, it gets up in plane very fast with no point of 'high-bow lift' (which causes large waves behind) indeed helped by the point of gravity.<br /><br />And the price is, that those hulls are not suited rough seas.<br /><br />And if I may say so, I've been onboard a twin mounted inboard that caught fire in the motor compartment and sank within 10 minutes in an explosion-like fire. I'll never, ever have an inboard unless it's a diesel.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

no experience with them, but another option is a Ski Nautique -- a true inboard, not an I/O.

 

[suzukidave]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

PVS you ask a good question. Why are so many boats i/o's if outboards have advantages. Here are some possible reasons<br /><br />First off, brand new a large outboard does not have a price advantage on an i/o. It's only used that there's an advantage because it's so easy to switch outboards -- not many buy used i/o's because its not worth the labour cost of swapping them -- you may as well buy new.<br /><br />Second, I think the i/o can be a profit centre for a boat maker while the outboard is more a profit centre for the dealer who matches the boat with whatever brand he sells (Bayliner tried to change this with Force combos). If you are a boatmaker, which makes more sense?<br /><br />Third, i/o boats are cheaper to build -- no reinforced transom and splashwell issues.<br /><br />Fourth, i/o's are quieter, smoother, less messy and less obtrusive (they look better in the showroom). We are all enthusiasts here so we appreciate outboard. Most people care only that their motor works and would sooner forget it otherwise.<br /><br />I'd be interested in any boatmakers comments on these guesses?

 

[495v]

Re: I/O vs Outboard

I have been both an I/o owner and an outboard owner. Currently have a 350 Mag Mercruiser in a 21' Ranger bassboat. This is my first I/O, and not that Ive had any problems, but it will probably be my last. My main reason is that I live in the Chicago area and you get a longer season with an outboard. They self drain and there's not AS much a concern for freezing as an I/O. I currently winterize my boat towards the end of Oct. but never really know depending on the weather. If weather was not a concern, it would be a toss-up for me. Only in an I/O can you do 50mph with the cd player going and have no troubles hearing it. You can actually talk to someone in your boat without having to yell. Plus it's nice towing an I/o. Gas mileage is great too.