Mercruiser I/O vs Outboard SeaCraft?

[jjcwheeler]

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.