Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

[Pst76]

I have an opportunity to trade up to a larger boat from what I have and am looking for a second opinion so here goes.<br />Presently have a 17 ft Larson Open bow with a 92 Johnson 150 ocean runner. <br />I Have a chance to trade my boat for a 19ft Four Winns CCabin with a 170 Mercruiser I/O set up. <br />Both boat in equally great condition. <br />I Have always run OB motors and am interested in any input on the pro's and cons. <br /><br /> Looking more for day cruiser for fishing and occassional tube being pulled. Interest are more on Maint and comparisions,issues.<br /><br />Thanks for any feedback

 

[Laddies]

Re: Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

the i/o is more fuel effecint than the o/b but has higher mantaince cost, in less you can service it your self, if thats a 4 cyl. 170 they can be trouble some, some dealers won't work on them in this area==Bob

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

Do some searches in this forum. There have been some lengthy I/O vs outboard threads. Good luck

 

[Pst76]

Re: Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

Laddiesservice, It is the 4cyl. I would do all my own maint. What issues should I be cautious on that model/problems. I believe it is an Alum block which based on old Chevy Vega issues with alumi block has me wondering <br />Thanks

 

[Tufan]

Re: Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

I'd stay with the OB engines, Mercruiser I/O great motor's if they are well maintained and they are more problematic. <br /><br />Thats of course my opinion.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

Two things I can think off off the top of my head about the 470 (170hp) just from reading here are:<br /><br />Factory heat excahnger was inadequate. Make sure the heat exchanger was upgraded to a 4: diameter model. <br /><br />Engine uses a funny charging system that is known for cooking itself, replacement is big bucks. You can convert it to a standard alternator setup but that's not cheap either.<br /><br />I'm sure there's more. <br /><br />If it's well maintained, it'll be a good engine. You will get good MPG as stated above, better than any 2 stroke OB. <br /><br />You can get into quite a heated discussion here debating the OB vs IO topic. Use the red search button above and read away.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

Well two foot fever strikes again! I agree we all need bigger/better but do your homework. <br /><br />The i/o will not be as snappy as the ob. Your gas consumption will be better with an i/o.<br /><br />If it is the 470/170hp then it is based on a hybrid mercruiser block with a Ford 460 cylinder head.<br /><br />A better choice would be to seek out a i/o boat with a v-6 or v-8.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Lou C]

Re: Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

I'd look around more for something that is more common now a days, like the 4.3/Alpha drive combination. Four Winns msde a good boat even back then, the problem with them is that OMC owned them for a period, and most older FWs before about 96 or so will have OMC power, which is not really a problem if you can find a place that knows them as I have. Also an OMC powered boat is usually worth less so you can get it for less too. Once the Cobra drive is set up right it is fine. Now if you are running in fresh, or trailering the boat the IO is OK. Leaving it in salt on a mooring or slip, go with the OB or you will have a whole bunch of work to do every season.

 

[seabuddy7]

Re: Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

The 470/170 is a Merc only product. They dropped it for a V-6 chevy, which Volvo and OMC had at the time.<br /><br />The Merc 170 Hp 4 cyl was noted for a strong for its Hp rating "hole shot" and for running rough at cruising speeds.<br /><br />I think the earlier post on the cooling system and alternator service issues are on target.

 

[Pst76]

Re: Upgrading to Bigger boat?? OB vs I/O

Thanks to all, I'm going to think this out before I jump into it. I'm not sold on the deal just yet. You guys have me thinking harder.<br /><br />Looked it over this weekend a bit more. It does have the larger heat exchange. Paperwork with boat put it replaced about 2 yrs back. Boat from what I'm told has been in salt water very few times and always trailered. I could not find any oxidation anywhere around the drive or hardware on the boat.<br /><br /> Complete out drive was serviced and rebuilt the end of this past season. Has reciept for<br /> $ 3,800.00 from marina, gaskets, u-joints hoses etc. Owner kept good maint records as well.Very clean.<br /><br />Still a ways out til season starts around here