Inboard/outboard

Rhodnett · #1 05-12-2004, 07:46 PM

Hello, everyone. I am a brand new member. I have never owned a Sea Craft, but I'm in the market for a boat and a friend of mine who has forgotten more about boats than I can ever know has a 23' Potter built (I don't know the year, yet) that he will sell. It is an I/O, but I don't know what brand (probably Mercruiser) with a 350 GM. It has been mildly customized by Ricky Scarborough. I haven't even seen the boat, but I will see pictures in another week or so. My big question concerns the I/O. I have never owned one, and I have heard some horror stories. What comments can anyone offer? The boat sounds too good to pass up, otherwise. [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

ScottM · #2 05-12-2004, 07:53 PM

I/O or not, just the mention of Ricky Scarborough would have me all over that boat!! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Seriously (and welcome to the site [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]), there are I/O guys and there are outboard guys. Sure, you can find faults in an I/O setup, but look at how many of them are on the water. The biggest drawback to me is that big ol' motor box in the back getting in my way. Running a 350 has its upsides - ease of maintenance, fuel efficiency. You lose some shallow water capability with the I/O, but if you that's not a concern, go for it.

Rhodnett · #3 05-12-2004, 08:14 PM

Thanks, for your comments, Scott. I have been reading a lot of your posts since I found this site a couple of hours ago. I am more of an inboard guy, hence my concerns over the I/O. But, as you say, the mention of Ricky Scarborough kind of has my mouth watering. My friend who has the boat is a Maryland waterman and has owned 3 Sea Crafts, among many others. His description of the boat had me salivating. Another good mutual friend who knows the boat said that if I looked at it I would swear it was brand new, even though the hull has to be at least 24 years old.

Rusty

Tashmoo2 · #4 10-08-2004, 12:11 PM

Sport Dog,

I haven't looked at site in a while. If you are stil contemplating decision have no worries.

We owned a 23 ft IO for 8 years. Excellent boat. It had a 225 Hp Chevy block, OMC outdrive. Never had a problem, but kept 2 outdrives as you could be out season waiting for parts.

current owner installed a Mercruiser in it.

sanzo · #5 10-13-2004, 10:54 PM

HIRE A BOAT SURVEYER, the deal can't sound to good to be true if you do not know the year of the boat. Your just caught up in the idea of having a boat, boats are like spouses the honey-moon ends at the first sign of trouble. You just can't put a market value on it if you don't know the year. Hire a pro to survey an appraise the boat, you wouldn't buy a house with out a appraisal an inspection. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, I just want you to buy the used boat with the least problems. Do your do diligence, Sanzo