I/O vs. OB - Page 2

adamcannon · #11 07-05-2010, 05:32 PM

I was just saying if you had to replace an engine an outboard is easy to remove and replace. I was just joking about dropping the outboard overboard although I do know someone that got so fed up with an outboard that kept leaving him stranded that he did unbolt it and drop it overboard. Gas inboards have always scared me a little because there have been two or three that have exploded when the people went to start them around here where I live. Those gas fumes can be pretty dangerous when they are bottled up in an engine box.

workinpr0gress · #12 07-05-2010, 05:48 PM

Most seem to feel an i/o or inboard rides better in rougher water. I've never seen this occur with 20', 23' boats. In my expierence that applys only with slightly rough water and/or at a crawl. Also any advantage the i/o may have the outboard could compete with with proper trimability at speed. When you get above a certain point in wave/chop height or speed of the boat you want the bow to have the tendency to stay in the air. Again I am speaking of the smaller boats like here, once you get a little more length on the hull then it seems to be more of a tossup. I have rarely been on a quality smaller boat that runs better with an i/o or inboard in comparison to an outboard at what most would consider a practical speed. Now if we are talking about drifting or feeling like a heavier boat then I could never argue about an i/o. Most of the guys I know prefer outboards on smaller boats even taking into account some people love closed transoms and some hate brackets. Then again I may be nuts which has happened before.

I will say the nicest running small inboard boat I have been on is a 25 Rampone with a single cummins, amazing but makes a seacraft seem drier than Arizona. It would cut the tops right off of solid close 4's on the nose and put it all over cockpit at 20knts.

Just my .02.

Tiny · #13 07-05-2010, 09:11 PM

had a 74 scepter 20 with a 130 yamaha (91) outboard and now have a 71 i/o with a 4 cyl merc (circa 89).

The I/O rides better, gets better economy, cruises a little slower and tops out a couple miles per hour less... any day my family and I would rather have the IO. We actually like the IO box, it's great for sitting on while drift fishing, and the closed transom is nice...especially with a 1 and 3 year old. It's the best, most capable all around boat for us I feel like we could find anywhere.

pelican · #14 07-09-2010, 09:13 AM

outboards-only power designed strictly for marine use,anything else,is an after thought-hence,the term,"marinization"
stern drives,nothing wrong with a stern drive-my rig's stern drive powered-merc 5.7 magnum mpi with the horizon package and a bravo I drive-230 trouble free hours in 2 seasons-fantastic on fuel ! there's a little more upkeep on a stern drive boat-risers and manifolds every 4-5 seasons,pull the drive every winterization,30hr oil changes...but,it's got it's benifits,quieter,much quieter...engine box ?? not in the way at all,it's a center console,you fight a fish from the bow...

ride is better on a stern drive,but,the inboard has the best ride-low center of gravity...outboards on a bracket are the worst ride-leverage.the engine's sitting way behind the boat,acts as a lever,the boat has a tendency to porpoise,and ride "bow high",need alot of "down tab" to counter act...

workinpr0gress · #15 07-09-2010, 06:22 PM

Come ride on mine, I honestly don't get what most people expect their boat to do or how they expect to run them. These are small boats and a I/0 or inboard at any real speed in any sea condition worth talking about usually doesn't come close to an outboard. I have spent extensive time on 20sf's like mine. I/o, outboard, and bracketed. My and the two other bracketed boats I have spent time on far exceed the ride and capability at speed of an outboard on the transom or I/o. I just have a foil on it no tabs and no porpousing.

BigLew · #16 07-09-2010, 08:19 PM

Let's be honest for a moment.

If you are looking for braggin' rights regarding WOT speed you'll probably favor an OB and maybe a bracketed OB with the cav plate 1.5 inches above the keel.

If your looking for a bit quieter engine noise at a lower less irratating pitch and are willing to give up 12-16 square feet of cockpit space that can double as a seat/"cocktail" table/ casting platform/ baiting station/ sundeck, with better fuel economy and a more "solid" ride, then you're going to favor an I/O. (guess which side I'm on?)

The reality is that this is why they make chocolate and vanilla!

Regarding speed I just did a quick calculation. If the distance is 20 miles and an O/B WOT speed is 43, then you get there in about 28min., if your WOT on an I/O is 39 then 20 miles is about 31min.

My question is: Whose wife has gotten mad at them for being only 3 minutes late getting home from a fishing trip?

Just a thought!

workinpr0gress · #17 07-09-2010, 09:00 PM

I assume the response is for me and thanks for the input. For me, I'm not looking for bragging rights, those days are behind me. As far as being honest, I am basing it all off real world expierence. I do though absolutely believe in a 2 to 4 headsea at 20 knots or most conditions worth saying how well a boat runs in a properly bracketed 20sf as compared to a non-bracketed, the boat will be a more enjoyable ride to most. I just can't let that go. I respect and appreciate everyones input but I have yet to expierence the contrary.

BigLew · #18 07-10-2010, 01:21 AM

Bruce,

My response is not directed at any one. No configuration is better than another except to the respective user.

If I were to have to choose, I would answer based on my needs and personal preferences and circumstances. It is just terrific that these boats and the entire industry and country, for that matter, affords us the opportunity to choose for ourselves. Thus my point in saying, "That's why they make chocolate and vanilla!" We get to choose because there is a choice.

76Red18 · #19 07-10-2010, 09:33 AM

Properly set up, I would think there wouldn't be much difference. HP is HP. The lightest power source will be the fastest. What are the weights of a modern 250 hp outboard vs. a 250 i/o? Straight inboard is a different story because of inefficient drive angle. Not the fastest but probably the best ride.

Islandtrader · #20 07-11-2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

The lightest power source will be the fastest. What are the weights of a modern 250 hp outboard vs. a 250 i/o?

A 300 HP Mercruiser with Bravo Drv.900 #

A 300 Yamaha 4/s 800#.

So hundred pounds lighter, I bet the speed would be insignificant.

Remember I asked which would be faster, not which would be better

It is interesting getting everyone's opinion.

Ford or Chevy...Black or White!