1974 23 SF I/O Desirability

CapeBoater1 · #1 03-02-2006, 07:41 PM

I am new to seacrafts and was wondering what models were most sought after. I understood that people liked the I/O models, but see mostly outboards here. Is it just that I/O's are harder to come by or are outboards more desirable? I may have the opportunity to buy and I/O so I wanted to check with everyone here!

ScottM · #2 03-02-2006, 08:04 PM

SwampYankee,
Most guys will prefer an OB, but I also think it comes down to availability. There were more OB-powered 23-foot SCs built than I/Os or IBs. I personally love the lines of an I/O (or IB) due to the enclosed transom. However, the engine box in an I/O can be an issue since it takes up a lot of room. Out on the Cape where you are, there is a large concentration of 23 I/Os that I've seen, especially with doghouse consoles.

If I was in the market and an I/O came up for the right price, I would buy it.

oldfielder · #3 03-02-2006, 08:16 PM

I love mine-it's no speed demon,but it runs beautifully through the snotty LI Sound-and I don't even have tabs on it-yet. With a 5.7 mercruiser it cruises at a nice 32 mph.
And those lines-they sure are pretty.I posted a pic. of her a few weeks ago.
Just remember-with the i/o you will definitely be doing more work on the motor. But the the flipside is that the repower is not as much as the ob. I'm not trying to get one of those Hull Truth 0/b vs. I/o pi##ing matches going-there are just things to consider about your comfort zone. The best part is that I've learned to do most of my own maintenance and the motor is right there in the boat (taking up deck space)lol.
You will love the ride on either boat-end of story.

CapeBoater1 · #4 03-03-2006, 07:59 AM

That's a beautiful boat you have. Personally I think it is one of the nicest looking ones here. Those photos really show off the classic seacraft lines. Thanks for the input on maintenance etc. That has always been my understanding, that I/O's require more maintenance, which is a trade off.

Rhodnett · #5 07-13-2006, 06:36 PM

Oldfielder,

I'm curious about your cruising speed of 32 MPH. I have a '74 23'SF with a '93 Mercruser 5.7 Alpha (4-bbl) and I'm lucky to get 20 kts at 3200 rpm. I seriously doubt if mine will hit 32 wide open. What RPM are you cruising at?

Thanks,

Rusty Hodnett

oldfielder · #6 07-14-2006, 02:05 PM

Funny you should ask-I installed a cheap navman this year and what a learning experience in efficiency.That 32 was at around 3200-3300, but since I've installed the meter-my best rpm is right around 3000-cruising about 28 in relatively calm seas. That's at a burn of about 10 gph, give or take .1 or .2. The chop on LI sound can change that in a hurry. I ran it at 4000/4001-a little short of wot, which is in the 4400-4800 range according to merc, and I was running just about 30 knots-I think it was 29.7. I/m guessing wot will take me to 37-38 mph.
I'll get you some exact #'s this weekend at 3200 for comparison's sake.
The motor is a carbed merc 5.7 which has been running for about four years of light use, which has change to heavy use since I got the boat

I know everyone here is big tab fans, but so far I'm very happy with t he planing capabilities(if I give it the juice it planes almost immediately) of this boat and since I usually fish with one or two guys on board-it's pretty easy to redistribute the weight.

BillPutney · #7 07-14-2006, 08:24 PM

I have a '78 i/o that I converted to bracketed o/b and the speed to plane/fuel cons./and overall performance is very satisfactory. 2 stroke Suzuki 225 2000 model,GPS 47.53 MPH max speed attained,

Normal cruie speed ,depending on conditions

CapeBoater1 · #8 03-03-2006, 07:51 AM

Thanks, I always steared away from used I/O's due to additional maintenance, but liked the way the seacrafts looked especially. I guess it comes down to price and condition overall. And also use, I understand you draw more water with an I/0 vs an outboard setup, which I realized but hadn't really thought about.

HugsTug · #9 03-03-2006, 08:21 PM

New to the site so let me introduce myself. My name is Tom Hug
I am located on the east end of Long Island on the North Fork in Mattituck. I have been lurking around this site for a time and decided to log in.
I own a 1973 Mako with a 5.7 Bravo engine coupled to a Bravo 1 out drive. I could not be happier with the performance of the boat. Great fuel milage and the closed transom is ideal for the waters that I fish. Granted that maintenance is higher, but the end result is that the noise level is much lower, and the replacement value of the engine is much less.
Glad to be a member.

catman115 · #10 03-06-2006, 12:53 PM

Welcome to the site Hug.. glad to have you aboard and a fellow Long Island sound guy.
back to the original topic..I/o vs O/b
I had a seafari 0/b..great boat
I now have a Tiara with a 5.7 Volvo penta with duoprop. I don't mind the engine box and the decreased engine noise is a big benefit for me. plus the enclosed transom.