IO v OB my I/O is Dead... opinons Please

[tommays]

Re: IO v OB my I/O is Dead... opinons Please

Every good thing being said about outboards does not really apply to 2007 models


They are as complex as complex gets and anything beyond and oil change is NOT gonna happpen for 99% of the DIY users



This does not mean they are not good products BUT they are also NOT the simple toss in a tunup and run it that was true 15 years ago



Tommays

 

[dingbat]

Re: IO v OB my I/O is Dead... opinons Please

Every good thing being said about outboards does not really apply to 2007 models


They are as complex as complex gets and anything beyond and oil change is NOT gonna happpen for 99% of the DIY users



This does not mean they are not good products BUT they are also NOT the simple toss in a tunup and run it that was true 15 years ago



Tommays

Very true but does the complexity detract or add to it's longevity?

The life expectancy of a new outboard is far more than it was 15 years ago.

 

[njlarry]

Re: IO v OB my I/O is Dead... opinons Please

With 60's OBs still running I doubt their life expectancy is longer. In fact it may be MUCH shorter as much of their electronics may become unreplaceable in ten to twenty years, they will have much more reliablity so long as they spend adequate down time in the shop at $$$ per hour.

 

[tommays]

Re: IO v OB my I/O is Dead... opinons Please

My MAIN point is people playing up the EASE of outboard repiars


When they have for all intent become a NON-DIY-REPIAR unit


I build PLC based machine controls at 51 i am not all that old


BUT i am allready replaceing the PLC units on many machines i built in the past 30 years due to NLA replacement parts

This requires a compleat rewire and reprograming as the electronics become obsolete in as littel as 7 to 10 years

This will not be a practial fix for outboards OR I/O units but it will buy far be the item that limits there useable life


People are allready hitting junkyards for some control boards for cars less than 10 years old that have failed and are NLA



Tommays

 

[Silvertip]

Re: IO v OB my I/O is Dead... opinons Please

OK all you dooms day proponents. Look at the components like voltage regulators and rectifiers that were "new electronics" way back then. Electronic ignition components are another example. When the demand gets to the point where the aftermarket can make money on either rebuilding or replicating these parts they will. Until the OEM quits supplying those parts, those parts will have limited availability aftermarket. I can still go to any auto supply store in town and get an ECM for a 70's car. The same will hold true down the road for outboard electronics. Originally the on board diagnostic systems for cars was proprietary to each brand. That is no longer true as the current ODB system is generic and diagnostic tools can be purchased by the DIYer. The same will hold true for the marine industry. It may take awhile for them to realize there reputation will be crap unless they get their heads together, but in the end, it will happen. I too have been down the I/O road and I will not go back unless some drastic changes are made in weight and drive system design. If you like the "sexy" look of an I/O buy one. But you best be a contortionist if you intend to fix the beast yourself.

 

[dingbat]

Re: IO v OB my I/O is Dead... opinons Please

With 60's OBs still running I doubt their life expectancy is longer. In fact it may be MUCH shorter as much of their electronics may become unreplaceable in ten to twenty years, they will have much more reliablity so long as they spend adequate down time in the shop at $$$ per hour.

Around here we boat 10 months a year in large bodies of water and it?s not uncommon to put 200-300 hours a year on a motor. At that rate most motors are shot, worn out in 5-7 years so electronic obsolescence isn't an issue.

The new boards start with the turn of the key, they don?t smoke, use 40% less fuel and even less oil. I wouldn?t trade a new DFI or 4 stroke outboard for an old smoker for anything in the world. Service may cost more but they more than make up for it in fuel savings and reliability.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: IO v OB my I/O is Dead... opinons Please

I have 5 boats (a personal problem) and have had both old and new OB and IO. For me, size matters in this decision.... he he

I dont like the looks or cost of huge outboards; so I think anything over 125hp and you are better off with an IO. This is fresh water, non fishing usage.

I like the packaging better (sunpad) the sound, torque, and I have not had big repair issues with my I/Os. I have lots of friends with original 20yr old mercruisers running along just fine with regular normal maint. I also have 35yr old OMC outboards that I completely depend on, happily. I am not sure if I would jump into the new fourstroke outboards, look heavy and complicated to me, but the newer injected 2 strokes have my vote for smaller motors. quiet, clean, and light.

my two cents. I do agree it is nice working on an outboard standing in the driveway though