[Fr. Frank]

Fr. Frank is the I/O version of the Seafari any less at risk of sinking from taking on water?

Not that I know. I consider the risk equal.
Consider these potential risks:

• The low transom of the outboard,
• the bellows of the sterndrive,
• the leaking of the deck scuppers,
• leaking of the mounting bolts of either the outboard or the transom group,
• the leaking of below-the waterline fittings,
• the unseen crack in the hull caused by hitting a board or coconut underway,
• the unseen crack in the hull caused by loading improperly onto the trailer
• the leaking grounding-plate bolts, etcetera, etcetera...

If the deck drains on a center console do not leak between the deck and hull, the above list is uncompromised, and the hatches close and drain properly onto the deck and the deck scuppers are open to drain, without some other outside agency the 20/23 center console will not sink. Period. Even without a bilge pump, as there is no way to get water into the bilge except the above list (assuming i've not overlooked something).

THAT IS NOT TRUE OF THE SEAFARI MODELS!!! The cockpit sole of the Seafari drains directly into the bilge. This puts it at a higher risk of sinking. This is why I have three bilge pumps, two batteries, and a $30 solar battery maintainer on battery #2.