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.

[oldfielder]

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.

[ocuyler]

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.

Amen, brother

[NoBones]

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.

See ya, Ken

[htillman]

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

[jjcwheeler]

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?

[htillman]

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".

[Ed]

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.

[Fr. Frank]

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

[oldfielder]

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.