Re: Outboard vs. I/O
I've got'em both--470 Mercruiser on 17' deep V bowrider and Yamaha 115 hp 2 stroke on 24' Starcraft pontoon boat. I earlier had a 1969 140 hp Mercruiser that cost me a small fortune to keep running--sunk due to bellows problems.
I do like how the I/O's run after they come on a plane, however they're just a little slow out of the hole unless you get a big V-8. Economy is great, however. I/O's like to run @ slower speeds--more like 3000 rpm's--which is middle speed. You'll seldom wear out the motors if you properly maintain them. Most engine replacements are products of not draining water from the engines before Winter--dumb mistakes. You shouldn't really leave I/O's in the water all the time, as the drive shaft, exhaust and shift bellows won't hold up--and cause leaking. I/O's on paper should last many, many years, but most boats I see in salvage yards are I/O's.
I like the way outboards pull coming off idle, and how they start so easy (versus an older I/O.) Outboards like to cruise @ 90% throttle, and are better if you like to run fast. Modern outboards are quickly switching to 4 strokes, and they require more maintenance than older 2 stroke outboards. You can leave outboards in the water for extended periods, as they don't have bellows to age and tear. Fuel usage is getting better, and modern 4 strokes are very quiet. Old quality outboard hulls can be easily re-engined and the hulls can last for a long, long time.
It's too bad that modern straight inboard boats are so expensive. They pull hard, get great fuel mileage but they don't run very fast. There is a mahogany 1953 17' ChrisCraft down the road from me that's been in the family since new 59 years ago. They last forever if properly maintained and kept out of the weather. Too bad it takes an expert operator to turn at idle speeds, and too bad that inboards go both backwards and sideways when you kick them in reverse.
I'm not complaining, as my Mercruiser is 31 years old, and my Yamaha/pontoon boat is 26 years old. I'd say I got my money's worth. There again, I have a 21 year old SeaDoo that runs great--to go along with my new Yamaha Waverunner.
