Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

I have found a 1970 20' cc for sale and it has a 140hp mercruiser on it. I would be using it in a bay for fishing and skiing. I have no experience with boats/motors. Am I asking for trouble? Just wondering if an i/o would be more of a problem for a first time boat owner or should I search for something with an outboard. I don't know any different? Would I be able to put an outboard on in the future if I had problems with the i/o? What are the advantages/disadvantages? Thanks for any help.

Re: Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

If you're ready to get very involved with the life of your motor, the i/o will be fine. I run one and used to run outboard and the i/o definitely requires a different degree of vigialance and maintenance skill for you to be a happy boater.
If you don't like getting your hands dirty, stay away from the i/o.

Re: Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

Amen, brother

Re: Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

IO's that are used in salt versus fresh that sit for
extended periods do tend to be more labor intensive.
As for outboards they can withstand neglect a little
better... IMO
Variables also to consider is if you are in the frozen north or the balmy south.

If the price is right, well just go for it. :D

See ya, Ken

Re: Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

IO would also be alot easier and neater to do a transom enclosure in the future.

Re: Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

I'm in north carolina and the boat would be trailered and not kept in the water, but I would be using it in saltwater. So what would you guys suggest knowing this? When you say an i/o would be easier to enclose in the future, do you mean it is possible to replace the i/o with an outboard if I chose to?

Re: Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

To put a full transom and a bracket. I am rehabing a Sceptre and if I started over today I would enclose the transom and put on a bracket or a "jack plate".

Re: Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

I/O's do require more maintenance. But if you are not handy, a good local mechanic should be able to keep you up and running no problem.

With that said, a brand new 140hp Outboard is around what $8-10k these days. A brand new 135hp 4 cylinder Mercruiser package (engine, transom assembly and drive) is $5995. Plus, because so many boats were made with the 4 cylinder Mercruiser engines....there are a ton of parts and slightly used motors available.

I would not necessarily be afraid of an i/o. Just know what you are getting into.

Re: Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

New Mercruiser 135 sterndrive package - complete less controls & cables, prop, gauges, etc. = $5,906
New Mercury 135 Optimax - complete less controls & cables, prop, gauges, etc. = $9699

According to an article I read in Trailer Boating magazine about 4-5 years ago, which was based upon a 2002 study by the E.P.A. on the impact of marine engines on the environment:
Average life of a well maintained sterndrive - 2,250 hours
Average life of a well maintained 2 stroke outboard - 1,500 hours

And according to 2004 study by the University of Wyoming, assuming a usage of 100 hours per year:
Average maintenance hours per year, sterndrive = 21
Average maintenance hours per year, 2 stroke outboard = 14
Average maintenance hours per year, 4 stroke outboard = 18

FWIW

Re: Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?
 

To follow Fr. Frank's post, if you do most of those maintenance hours on the stern drive when you are supposed to you will generally be a happy boater. Guys get themselves into trouble-big trouble sometimes-when they don't perform the big ticket maintenance items. There are a few-the drive bellows, in particular, that require your frequent inspection. I have been very happy with the package-my mercruiser has been very happy for the last three years and as Fr. Frank stated if the ill-fated repower day comes at a bad time-I'm looking at about 6000 for a brand new drop in 250 hp mercruiser engine to replace mine.
Good luck with the choice and feel free to pm me with any specific questions. :D