New outboard powered runabouts.

[Tnriverluver]

Are any of the major boat builders making an outboard powered runabout these days in the 17-20 ft range? All I am finding new is I/O powered boats. I much prefer outboards due to ease of winterizing and the extra room in smaller boats.

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

What are you looking for Tnriverluver? Aluminum/Fiberglass? Bowrider? Fish/Ski?
Narrow it down a bit for the crew here and I'm sure they will provide many options for you to consider.

 

[JimS123]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Perusing all of the new boats at this year's boat show, we found that ALL of the major manufacturers of FG runabouts have small OB runabouts. Of course, the aluminum boat manufacturers have always had them.

We were particularly impressed with the new Stingrays, but we're prejudiced in that regard. This is the year of the OB!

 

[Tnriverluver]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Just considering a typical fiberglass walk thru windsheild bowrider for some casual crusing and maybe pull a skier or two in the future. I've been out of the non-fishing variety of boats since the late 1980's and every thing just seem to be I/O now.

 

[airshot]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

With boat costing what they do today, the I/O is cheaper to manufacturer so there are a lot more of them. I was an OB man for 50 yrs, always had 14 - 18' boats with OB. Three years ago I stepped up to a 22' alum with an I/O, yes there is more maintainence but the economy and simplicity of a car motor makes it worth it to me. Always loved my OB, but now that I have one, I like the I/O.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Bayliner, Stingray, Larson, Glastron, SeaRay, and others I'm sure are all making small runabouts with outboards. It shouldn't be too hard to find one.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Try Hurricane, every model has an OB version.

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

JimS123 makes a very good point about boat shows. You get to see (most) all the options form the various manufacturers and compare them side by side. Outboards have come a long way since the late 80's! Horsepower, economy, noise levels and most manufacturers have responded with items like offshore brackets and the like. I'm guessing if you hit a boat show or two, you'll find what you're looking for.

 

[Tnriverluver]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Most all of our boatshows around here are in Feb. and the closest dealer is 100 miles away now. We use to have three here in town but the economy took them out I guess. Thanks for the replies, I'll just need to do some more digging. Speaking of digging, I could live with the I/O in these new ChrisCraft retros!!!! Chris-Craft Boats - Model Photos

 

[Mason78]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

We were particularly impressed with the new Stingrays, but we're prejudiced in that regard. This is the year of the OB!

I second that! the new outboard Stingerays are awesome!

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Caravelle

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Four Winns also has an OB version of their H180.

 

[jestor68]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Bayliner has the largest selection of traditional outboard powered bow rider type runabouts; 16, 17, 18, and 19 feet.

 

[Tnriverluver]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Bayliner has the largest selection of traditional outboard powered bow rider type runabouts; 16, 17, 18, and 19 feet.

Bayliners turned me off from the garbage they built back in the 80-90's. Not to mention I hated their styling. While I think they are putting out a nicer product now I just don't trust their quality.

 

[Tnriverluver]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Caravelle

With the 115 hp that might be a winner! Thanks!!!!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

You just have to get your head out of the lake water. No boater buys an i/o under 20' on the coast and dozens of boat manufacturers sell several varieties of OB's.
When you say "runabout" I think runabout--a hull design into the 60's that has a closed bow, windshield, driver/passenger bench seat, a thwart across the beam, then another bench seat for 2 more passengers. No, you're right, no one makes them any more.

you want walk-through windshield and bow seating. Look at sea hunt, grady, sea chaser for a start. Boat designs called "fish and ski." My old key west is a dual console bay boat hull but I don't know if they still make that design.

 

[Tnriverluver]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Four Winns also has an OB version of their H180.

Not finding it on their site, just the I/O and no outboard option. ???

 

[riptide09]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Not finding it on their site, just the I/O and no outboard option. ???

H180OB | Overview | FourWinns

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

If you would put your city on your profile, you'd get much better information. I take it you're in TN or AL or GA.

Boattrader.com is where you'll find every boat within 200 miles of you listed online. You can filter it to keep your boat hunt to outboard boats.

I've had 2 inboard outboards in my adult life, and have one pontoon boat that's 27 years old. The I/O's are fine the first few years, but they're a pain to deal with after the first 7 or 8 years. I'm no longer a fiberglass boat guy--except in bass boats

Give me the new modern outboards any day over I/O's for efficiency and trouble free service.

I'm now running a new Bennington 24' tritoon with a F150 Yamaha, and I'm seeing 40 mph GPS. Have you considered a tritoon for great passenger room, luxurious seating and a great ride? I can tell you they really spoil you.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

update--I saw a Key West Dual console today out on the river that looked fairly new, and OK if you like that sort of thing.