Questions about Mercruiser 4.0 liter

[WaterDR]

Re: Questions about Mercruiser 4.0 liter

I would much prefer on OB on a toon for where we boat....much easier to lift the motor out of the way for beaching.

 

[TurboM700]

Re: Questions about Mercruiser 4.0 liter

I'm partially to I/O pontoon since I built one.

http://forums.iboats.com/completed-boat-projects/pontoon-conversion-inboard-outboard-573089.html

Mine with a 3.0 mercruiser and 5 adults with do just under 30mph on gps. Have skied and wakeboard behind it. I'm actually building a wake board tower/bimini top for it right now.

Mines no harder to work on then an outboard and there is a ton of parts for the motor and outdrives unlike an outboard.

If for some reason I take out an outdrive I can search CL for less then a week and pick up a good used one for under 400 bucks you wont be doing this with an outboard.

Although I built mine they are still far cheaper then a similar outboard. 140hp vs 140hp.

The one down side I do see to some I/O pontoons is the can be tough to work on but over time you will learn ways around them and at the end of the day they really dont need much work.

another reason I went I/O is I like to have a big swim platform across the back and with an outboard that is very difficult todo.

 

[Zapit2um]

Re: Questions about Mercruiser 4.0 liter

The motor in this boat is brand new and has less than 15 hours on it so I wouldn't think I would need to do any maintenence right away. Would probably get quite a bit of use out of it before I would have any major issues I would think. The guy is asking $11,000.00 for the boat and trailer. It's in real good shape, has a changing room, ice chest, bimini top, full snap on cover, brand new stereo. I think it's a pretty good deal NADA gave me a value for the boat and trailer of over $13,000.00.

 

[cajuntoon]

Re: Questions about Mercruiser 4.0 liter

All I can say about buying a pontoon with an I/O is get on board and actually put your hands on the oil filter, drain plug, and every other maintenance item if you plan to service it yourself. If you plan to have a shop maintain/repair it then just be ready to pay for labor. I passed up a deal for less than half of what you are looking at after rebuilding the carb on an I/O pontoon because it wasn't properly winterized. I refuse to touch another one. The most expensive part of the boat is the engine, the rest is just stuff that can easily be replaced on any used pontoon.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Questions about Mercruiser 4.0 liter

Not a bad price....Condition is everything!

Let us know after the weekend cruise!

 

[markandlynne]

Re: Questions about Mercruiser 4.0 liter

A few more comments before you purchase: Personal preferance as to having an outboard, or an i/o. My experience is that if you're getting the toon for cruising you can't beat the i/o for quiet, fuel efficient power. The 3.0 Merc on my 22 foot Regency is very easy on gas at mid throttle all day long, which is what I usually run at (what's the hurry). Friend with 75 hp outboard 20 foot toon and I run together and compare fuel useage, and he always uses more than I do. Swimming is easier off a toon with a back deck, and your i/o probably won't have that-at least mine doesn't. Can be difficult to work on lower part of i/o engine or in engine compartment, but these are basically GM (I think) car engines and need very little work!!!! I/O is easy to beach-just put the outdrive in trailer position. 135 HP in the 3.0 moves the toon around 30 GPS at wide open throttle. I/O do need to be winterized, about a $25 DIY project. Whatever you get, you'll enjoy it.