23 SeaCraft IB vs OB

[nausetblue]

Have run lots and lots of times in both boats and purchased an outboard 23 cc w/full transom. The inboards clearly ride much nicer in the water and get sl better mpg. The newer 4 stroke outboards are much easier for basic maintenance,reliability,trailering and shallow water use. My biggest issue with the i/o was the engines always sit in the rear of the boat in a salt water bilge area and seem to require lots and lots of basic repairs which is not easy for lots of us non-mechanics. The additional space you have in an outboard is valuable fishing area in the back of the boat as well. Most newer boats are built with outboard engines as they are more in demand vs the older i/o styles. A diesel engine with a jackshaft would be a nice inboard if you decide to go that route.

[zendora]

Pelican, I believe you're right - it may be a TBI.. its a GM block. Although it does say Electronic Fuel Injection on the engine, so I'm not sure.
Nausetblue, the model I'm looking at is a straight inboard, not at i/o. The engine is under the console, so the stern of the boat is all clear. Good point tho about those io's sitting in a wet bilge. I'm expecting a better ride, but slightly less fuel economy from the inboard vs the 4 stroke ob. Sea trials next weekend, I'll pass along results.

[fredetzel]

You will be happy with the ib or ob both have their ups and downs.I like the ib because the transom is clear [nothing to snag fishing gear on].Maneuvering an ib is easy once you get the hang of it.The girl friend will want the cabin for obvious reasons.Good luck with which ever one you choose [the girl or the boat]. just kidding she will love it.

[cdavisdb]

My highly biased 2 cents worth,

That car engine in the inboard will almost always warn you before it breaks, often long before, if you are listening. Further, many of the things that go wrong with an inboard can be fixed by you. Outboards have a nasty habit of quitting with no warning. They are less maintenance and more reliable than inboards, but the no warning thing gets to me.

If you go with the inboard, get a wider set of gauges than comes with the boat, vacuum gauge, oil temp, fuel pressure, raw water pressure will help in seeing problems coming, some of the cheapest insurance you can buy.