Purchasing a used boat

[lugster84]

After 20 years of running friends' boats (IO,OB,Comp ski boat) I am finally able to buy one. It will be docked during the summer on a fresh water inland lake. I cannot decide between OB or IO. I love IB ski boats but they are too costly. It will be used for pleasure and skiing, Any opinion on fuel economy between IO and OB. I think I am looking for around 175 hp IO or 115-125 hp OB. Seems that OB are less labor intensive on this sight but I always understood IO's to be easier to work on (mistaken?). Any input would be great, thanks.

 

[Belchy]

Re: Purchasing a used boat

From my experience, skiing behind a true ski boat I/O and outboard doesn't seem to have much of a difference. One of the differences is however the height of the ski rope, may not make that much difference to you though. I have only got the chance one to ski behind a comp ski boat, and it was awesome. If you do a lot of skiing, the true I/O would be your best bet. If you enjoy boating for pleasure, just remember that an I/O comp boat doesn't have tilt and trim..... <br /><br />Belchy

 

[QC]

Re: Purchasing a used boat

I'd get some sort of OB barefoot comp boat. They are way faster than an IB and more efficient too.<br /><br />I think belchy meant "IB comp boat", right?