Outboard vs. Sterndrive

[ElfPower]

I'm new to boating. In fact, I don't even own a boat yet, but my wife and I are looking into getting one. I've been doing some research and have a question or two that I can't seem to find answers to and I'm hoping you fine folks on this board might be able to answer them.<br /><br />First question is what are the main differences/advantages/disadvantages between outboard and sterndrive engines?<br /><br />Second...<br />The boat we are looking at getting is the Bayliner Capri 195. Anybody have any experiences with that particular boat? I can't seem to find any kind of review of that boat anywhere. I grew up with a friend who had a Bayliner and it seemed pretty reliable and he never had any problems with it. That's really my main reason for choosing a Bayliner...cause it's really the only boat I'm familiar with. My price range is right around $20k.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[scott boswell]

Re: Outboard vs. Sterndrive

If you have $20,000 to spend buy something besides a Bayliner. Look at many other postings on this site and you will see almost everyone puts Bayliner down. I am not familar with the new ones since AMC took over the company but every one thats a little older is bottom of the line in the boating world. Ihey have the lowest resale value too. As far as engines go I think almost everyone will say "go outboard" even though they burn more fuel. As I/Os get older they get more problems and you have to be an auto mechanic as well as an outboard mechanic to work on them. You didnt say if you are to use the boat in salt or fresh water. I/Os are a pain in the rear in salt water cause you can't get the prop unit out of the water and salt is really bad for them. That is if you leave the boat in the water and don't trailer it. I hope this helps some. I have been boating for over 40 years but still learning. Anyway good luck and welcome to the boating world. OH, get inside any boat your thinking about buying and see if you can see through the side facing the sun. Have someone outside place an object on the hull where you are looking. Some you can almost read a newspaper through, especially if the hull is white.<br />Scott

 

[grp79]

Re: Outboard vs. Sterndrive

I too am new to boating and I recently bought a new boat and received a lot of great advice from the folks here. I did in fact test drive a couple of Bayliners as well as a number of other brands. I settled on the Caravalle 188 Fish/Ski and have been pleased. It cost me 16K including trailer.<br /><br />Once you start looking at other brands you'll quickly see why everyone says to stay away from Bayliner. They're not bad boats it just that there are a lot of better boats out there for the same or less money. The one thing I ws told and found to be very true was that the dealer you buy from will be very important. The dealer is actually why I bought the Caravalle. He has spent a lot of time and effort not to mention patience with me. All at no cost to me.<br /><br />I have a stern drive becaue the model I bought didn't have an outboard available. If possible I wili go with the outboard next time. It's a lot easier to deal with not to mention being able to get it out of the water. I live in NC where the terrain is murder on props. I don't think I'd have as much trouble an with outboard.<br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[waterguy]

Re: Outboard vs. Sterndrive

I've been boating for 22 years and was looking at a bay liner, but decided not to buy one after virtually everyone I talked to said to avoid them. Go to http://www.jdpower.com/boats/jdpa_ratings/FindBoatRatingsResults.jsp and see what JD Powers has to say about Bayliners. They say they are the bottom of the line. They rate Cobalts at the top. I guess it's like "Consumers Reports" says about cars. They rate the Volkwagons at the top and the KIAs at the bottom. They say someone has to be at the top and someone at the bottom. I guess Bayliners are the KIAs of Boats. I had a Sea Nymph with a 70 HP mercury for 22 years. That boat and motor never gave me a lick of trouble. I recently purchased an 18'StingRay. I looked at many, many boats before settling on the StingRay. I also liked the 'SeaRays". My family loves it, but all boats have a personality of their own, so you will have to decide which you like. We went with an outboard because (1)they are easier to care for (2)easier to winterize (3)take up less room in the boat (4)are lighter (5)and if you get a big one they go every bit as fast as an I/O. Good luck on which ever you choose. Im sure you will have lots of fun with it.....WG

 

[ElfPower]

Re: Outboard vs. Sterndrive

Well...<br />After thoroughly reading through some other threads, I've reconsidered the Bayliner and given some other brands consideration. <br />Crownline seems to be prettty reasonable, though I read a few horror stories about their customer service. JD Powers rates them pretty high though, in quality and customer service. <br />Not only that...there is a place out here in Los Angeles that is selling the 180 BR, with trailer for something like $18,000? That seems like a pretty good deal. <br /><br />Anyway...I'm still kind of unclear on the difference between the outboard and sterndrive motors, besides the way they look. It seems like every boat I've looked at in the 18-19 foot range has the sterndrive. Are there advantages/disadvantages between the two? Is there anywhere on the net that might talk about this? A little Boat Engines 101?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Erik

 

[Walter]

Re: Outboard vs. Sterndrive

It used to be said that one of the biggest advantages of a stern drive vs. outboard was the fact a back yard wrench could perform many service tasks on the I/O that he might not tackle on an outboard. With todays more complex I/O's...I'm not sure that is as true as it once was. Another issue was fuel economy...stern drives = four stroke engines...outboards = two stroke engines. Four strokes always out perform two strokes in that catagory, right? Well, again, I don't think that's always the case today. With DFI etc...two strokes are every bit as fuel efficient as their four stroke counter parts. So what are the advantages to owning a stern drive? That's a good question. Many arguments that supported stern drives in the past can now be argued in favor of outboards as well. If you take two identical boats...one with an outboard, the other with an I/O...the outboard will have considerably more interior room...the obvious reason is the engine sits on the transom rather than inside the boat. However, I believe most would agree that the I/O is much more quiet than most outboards...although some high horsepower four stroke owners might strongly disagree.<br /><br />Another disadvantage of the I/O is a consequence of it's quiet operation. That is...the engine is enclosed, which poses a whole new set of safety issues. Fumes can accumulate inside the engine compartment...and if not vented properly can and do cause explosions. However, following simple safety procedures can all but eliminated that possiblility.<br /><br />As an I/O owner for 22 years...I've thought about the I/O vs. outboard issue a lot. I think my next boat will be an outboard. But I'll sure miss that throaty V-8 and her awesome performance.<br /><br />I'm sure you'll be equally happy with either power type you choose. But let me just add this...<br /><br />If buying a new boat...I think the dealer's reputation for service is one of the biggest factors that should influence what boat you buy. Your boat, whether a stern drive or outboard is not guaranteed to be totally defect free. You want to be certain your dealer will back you in the event you have a problem.<br /><br />Good luck...let us know what you decide in the long run!<br /><br />Walt

 

[Lark40]

Re: Outboard vs. Sterndrive

Last year, I bought a new Bayliner Capri 1952 cuddy cabin. Great price - about $16K with trailer. Used it a lot for cruising in the Potomac River.<br /><br />Sold it and bought a used 22' Starcraft aluminum cuddy cabin this year. What was wrong with the Bayliner?<br /><br />Well, it was a great value and performed OK. But, it was very noisy, the cabin was useless to anyone over seven years old, and you risked your life to get on the sloped front deck to work an anchor.<br /><br />So, if you want a starter boat, it's OK. But, if you decide you like boating, you will be trading up very soon.

 

[RJS]

Re: Outboard vs. Sterndrive

I/O = more work<br />more work = less fun on the water

 

[vinhawk]

Re: Outboard vs. Sterndrive

Erik <br />Bayliner is a cookie cutter boat. Your in L.A. Depending on where you are planing on using your vessel should also be in your consideration for what type of boat your going to spend your hard earned money on. Look for manufactures that don't built 10,000 a year. If your looking for a seaworthy boat you have alot to consider. Hull is by far the most important. The only Bayliner worth while is a trophy. I see alot of these boats going out and they seam like great fishing boats. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lake boat to go wakeboarding, tubing, skiing, then it would be worth your while to drive down to Riverside and check out Malibu boats. Solid boat and solid customer service. My friend just ordered one.<br /><br />I/O easy to work on, parts availible for alot less, and alot quiter.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Vince