Preparing to buy my 1st boat. many questions

[tunerauto]

Im a 37 year old father and owner of my own auto repair business so mechanics are up my alley.

I grew up driving boats every summer on our lake cabin but that was 20 years ago and I told myself I would buy a boat when I have my 1st child.
Well that time is now.
The boats Im use to running are I/O motors.

So heres the laundry question list .
Whats better and more durable - I/O or Outboard motor?
What types of motors have more parts available?
How hard is it to repair the hydraulics on a I/O?
What brand of motors have been plagued with issues ?

Im looking at a 15" seaswirl V Hull with 70hp mercury outboard motor thats a runner $1200 w/trailer
and
73 Reinell 17" with 120hp I/O mercruiser 4cyl motor - $1250 w/trailer.

I like the idea of not having to mix the fuel in the Reinell and the HP would be great for pulling wake boards and tubes but if the motor goes belly up then Im screwed.
Where as the Seaswirl is smaller and easy to tow and if the motor goes belly up its easy to remove from the boat and replace or repair.

Any and ALL thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Jason

 

[ThePostMan]

Re: Preparing to buy my 1st boat. many questions

You're about to get a few dozen good (and conflicting) opinions, but I'll just offer this:

Since you're looking at older boats, you have to consider the fact that you will be doing some wrenching (on both the hull and the engine). In my opinion, outboards are usually both easier to work on AND better maintained (because they're easier to work on) than comparable I/Os.

(And this isn't owner bias. . .I have a Volvo I/O, and any time I have to do any maintenance, I spend the entire time wishing I had an outboard.)

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Preparing to buy my 1st boat. many questions

You forgot to mention what year is that Seaswirl you mention

About the boats you list, make sure you check the deck and transom for rot, it's almost your your age.

Personally, I love Outboard powered boats. IMHO, they are easier to maintain, weigh less, and are easier replaced. The only downside I find is you can't get a boat with a huge swim platform.

If you are familiar with car engines though, I guess having an I/O would be easy for you to work with.

Cheers!

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Preparing to buy my 1st boat. many questions

Ditto ThePostMan I have a 15ft sportcraft tri-hull with a 60 rude on it pulls skiers and tubers all day long run about 30 -31 on the gps.

 

[tunerauto]

Re: Preparing to buy my 1st boat. many questions

Im actually off to look at a 74 Bramco with 65hp mercury Outboard motor.
Its a TriHull and not my favorite in ascetics but the price of $800 with trailer and a runner I cant pass on looking at it.
I think Im going to stick with the outboard motors.
This will be my 1st personal boat and Im just going to start small and cheap right now.
Im positive it will escalate in to full blown love affair of comfort, power and ascetics eventually anyways.
LOL