23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

I'm ready to buy, and I'm looking for a little advice. I'm set on a 23 Sea Craft hull, and I have two in mind - one is a CC with a low hour 250 four stroke ob, the other a Potter built Savage model with a straight inboard, model year 2000 5.7l 310hp Pleasurecraft Marine, fuel injected and fresh water cooled with only 80 hrs. Both have recent structural improvements (new transom on the OB, etc.). I know the outboard is extremely reliable as I've run boats with the same motor and have seen outstanding performance and reliability with them. I know nothing about the Pleasurecraft engine, so any insight or helpful links would be greatly appreciated.

I understand the ride advantage goes to the inboard, and from what I'm told, fuel economy between this IB and OB would be comparable. Speed adv goes to the outboard, but thats not all that important to me - much happier with an efficient 22-25 kt cruise. Layout I have to give to the Savage, bc the cuddy will make my fiance happy.

Let me know if you all have any thoughts on the CC vs Savage, and more importantly info on the Pleasurcraft power plant.

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

You added in another item that could change the whole issue. I was all for the OB until you brought in the woman angle. :) However have you ever tried to dock a single inboard? Great in a straight line, however tricky to manuver. I'm still in favor of the OB. Good luck!!

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

I'm trying to keep her happy Don! It can be tricky in reverse, but I'm comfortable maneuvering a single screw IB. Is that your main reason for choosing the OB or did you have any other advantages in mind? Thanks for the comment!

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

Welcome to CSC !

If you live in Fla and visit shallow water and want to take your Fiance' and pull up to the sandbars for fun & shore lunches or fish the reefs, anchoring can be a hassel. Also, an inboard can have trailering issues with shallow ramps.

I'm sure you will enjoy the ride which ever route you decide :cool:

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

Not really. It's just the maintenance on outboards seems to be cheaper in the long run and they are getting very dependable. However if you are planning on long trips for like grouper fishing, etc. and it was a diesel versus gas....that's a different story. Chuck also makes a very good point to think about, inboards and the ground do not mix quite as well as an outboard with tilt/trim. Take care.

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

Thanks for the comments guys. I'm new to the site and forgot to mention that im in New England, but all valid points anyways. Does anyone have any experience running with the 5.7L Pleasurecraft block?

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

I have a 1976 IB CC and went with a carb Marine Power 350 ( I can work on) not bad on gas (around 2+) and cruize at 3150 @ 26-27. I anchor up and yes first single engine inboard I ever had and got used to it fast and also keep it in the water, ever in VA Beach I can give you a ride.

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

that's a TBI engine,yes ?
the throttle body engines have had a few problems with "going lean",it will cuase the intake valves to be sucked into the cylinder head...
other than that,it's important to have the engine "propped" correctly,and last,the exhaust system,it's gonna require replacement every 4-5yrs...

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

I'm not here to argue but I have several friends with thottle bodies and they wanted me to repower with direct injection since they didn't have one. They mostly own See Vee's inboard's and no problem with exhaust, (most are fresh water cooled) the usual risers replacements. I really have always owned outboards but since the CC SEACRAFT IB came out I always wanted one and 12 years ago after the kids got out of College I jumped at one that sat across Lynn Haven from a friends house and have really enjoyed it.

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

multi port is definatley the way to go - far more reliable and efficient

note about exhaust - fresh water cooling has little difference as far as the exhaust is concerned - the risers,and in some cases,the manifolds are sea water cooled - life span is still the same - 4-5yrs...

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

Have run lots and lots of times in both boats and purchased an outboard 23 cc w/full transom. The inboards clearly ride much nicer in the water and get sl better mpg. The newer 4 stroke outboards are much easier for basic maintenance,reliability,trailering and shallow water use. My biggest issue with the i/o was the engines always sit in the rear of the boat in a salt water bilge area and seem to require lots and lots of basic repairs which is not easy for lots of us non-mechanics. The additional space you have in an outboard is valuable fishing area in the back of the boat as well. Most newer boats are built with outboard engines as they are more in demand vs the older i/o styles. A diesel engine with a jackshaft would be a nice inboard if you decide to go that route.

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

Pelican, I believe you're right - it may be a TBI.. its a GM block. Although it does say Electronic Fuel Injection on the engine, so I'm not sure.
Nausetblue, the model I'm looking at is a straight inboard, not at i/o. The engine is under the console, so the stern of the boat is all clear. Good point tho about those io's sitting in a wet bilge. I'm expecting a better ride, but slightly less fuel economy from the inboard vs the 4 stroke ob. Sea trials next weekend, I'll pass along results.

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

You will be happy with the ib or ob both have their ups and downs.I like the ib because the transom is clear [nothing to snag fishing gear on].Maneuvering an ib is easy once you get the hang of it.The girl friend will want the cabin for obvious reasons.Good luck with which ever one you choose [the girl or the boat]. just kidding she will love it.

Re: 23 SeaCraft IB vs OB
 

My highly biased 2 cents worth,

That car engine in the inboard will almost always warn you before it breaks, often long before, if you are listening. Further, many of the things that go wrong with an inboard can be fixed by you. Outboards have a nasty habit of quitting with no warning. They are less maintenance and more reliable than inboards, but the no warning thing gets to me.

If you go with the inboard, get a wider set of gauges than comes with the boat, vacuum gauge, oil temp, fuel pressure, raw water pressure will help in seeing problems coming, some of the cheapest insurance you can buy.