Outboard or I/O

[red342]

Hey all:

As some of you have seen from my posts I am in the market for a V20. I have been asking questions with tremendous help and response from you all. I am doing more home work on whats for sale in the area. I have always had an outboard motor on my previous boats. HOWEVER I fear that most good deals and good condition V20's in the area are I/O. I have been told to stay away from I/O's from my dad... he also told me there is santa clause when I was little. lol

My questions are: (keep in mind I know about outboards, I am really looking for weather I should go with / trust a I/O)

Which is better overall?

How many of you have a I/O and what is your experience with it?

Are they reliable?

Are there any models or types to stay away from?

How is a " FRESH WATER COOLED 170 HP MERCRUISER 4 CYLINDER "
as seen here ---> http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/boa/2231498840.html

What would be a good I/O for a V20 Cuddy?

How is the mainenance and up keep?

Expensive to run?

How is an I/O on fuel?

Any other important input?

As always, thank you
Rob

 

[brisboats]

I/o's generally will nickel and dime you when the boat is over 10 years old if you cannot turn your own wrenches. Both powerplants have their pluses and minuses just depends which one will work the best for you. If you leave you boat in salt water the outboard wins hands down. Some of the pros and cons...Out boards can be tilted clear of the water, less holes in the boat, lighter, easier to winterize, more expensive to replace, older tech is noisier less fuel efficient, more room inside the boat, sometimes harder to fish around. I/o's are cheaper to repower , quieter more efficient that older outboard technology, heavier, take up more room in the boat, but better genter of gravity. I/o's have more things to go wrong in the transom assembly and outdrive. Bellows wear out as do shift cables, couplers, gimble bearings, u joints and the like. Mercruiser transom assemblies tend to disinegrate from the inside out even on trailer kept boats. Not a comforting thought if you slip your boat.

One is not better than the other just depends on what you are comfortable with for your use. Freshwater enviorns still have plenty of 25+ year old I/o's even Omc drives still providing great service. Salty enviorns not so much. I have had my share of crappy I/o's and outboards what matters most is the overall condition and price of the boat you are looking at.

Brian