1974 23 SF I/O Desirability

CapeBoater1 · #1 03-02-2006, 07:41 PM

I am new to seacrafts and was wondering what models were most sought after. I understood that people liked the I/O models, but see mostly outboards here. Is it just that I/O's are harder to come by or are outboards more desirable? I may have the opportunity to buy and I/O so I wanted to check with everyone here!

ScottM · #2 03-02-2006, 08:04 PM

SwampYankee,
Most guys will prefer an OB, but I also think it comes down to availability. There were more OB-powered 23-foot SCs built than I/Os or IBs. I personally love the lines of an I/O (or IB) due to the enclosed transom. However, the engine box in an I/O can be an issue since it takes up a lot of room. Out on the Cape where you are, there is a large concentration of 23 I/Os that I've seen, especially with doghouse consoles.

If I was in the market and an I/O came up for the right price, I would buy it.

oldfielder · #3 03-02-2006, 08:16 PM

I love mine-it's no speed demon,but it runs beautifully through the snotty LI Sound-and I don't even have tabs on it-yet. With a 5.7 mercruiser it cruises at a nice 32 mph.
And those lines-they sure are pretty.I posted a pic. of her a few weeks ago.
Just remember-with the i/o you will definitely be doing more work on the motor. But the the flipside is that the repower is not as much as the ob. I'm not trying to get one of those Hull Truth 0/b vs. I/o pi##ing matches going-there are just things to consider about your comfort zone. The best part is that I've learned to do most of my own maintenance and the motor is right there in the boat (taking up deck space)lol.
You will love the ride on either boat-end of story.

CapeBoater1 · #4 03-03-2006, 07:51 AM

Thanks, I always steared away from used I/O's due to additional maintenance, but liked the way the seacrafts looked especially. I guess it comes down to price and condition overall. And also use, I understand you draw more water with an I/0 vs an outboard setup, which I realized but hadn't really thought about.

CapeBoater1 · #5 03-03-2006, 07:59 AM

That's a beautiful boat you have. Personally I think it is one of the nicest looking ones here. Those photos really show off the classic seacraft lines. Thanks for the input on maintenance etc. That has always been my understanding, that I/O's require more maintenance, which is a trade off.

HugsTug · #6 03-03-2006, 08:21 PM

New to the site so let me introduce myself. My name is Tom Hug
I am located on the east end of Long Island on the North Fork in Mattituck. I have been lurking around this site for a time and decided to log in.
I own a 1973 Mako with a 5.7 Bravo engine coupled to a Bravo 1 out drive. I could not be happier with the performance of the boat. Great fuel milage and the closed transom is ideal for the waters that I fish. Granted that maintenance is higher, but the end result is that the noise level is much lower, and the replacement value of the engine is much less.
Glad to be a member.

catman115 · #7 03-06-2006, 12:53 PM

Welcome to the site Hug.. glad to have you aboard and a fellow Long Island sound guy.
back to the original topic..I/o vs O/b
I had a seafari 0/b..great boat
I now have a Tiara with a 5.7 Volvo penta with duoprop. I don't mind the engine box and the decreased engine noise is a big benefit for me. plus the enclosed transom.

abl1111 · #8 03-06-2006, 06:35 PM

I have a 23' Tsunami w/ a 5.7 I/O and a Bravo 3 - SWEET ride ! The I/O box is no problem for me, although if it were not there it would be even better. With regard to maintenance - w/ an I/O you can still do some DIY maintenance - the new O/B's are not even for the mechanically inclined.

So, let's see - more cockpit room w/ an o/b. Less aft weight - could be a pro or a con ? O/B better shallow water access. O/B - do not have to keep the outdrive in the water (corrosion). O/B good fuel consumption too. O/B more difficult to work on, I/O easier, and I/O handles much better - especially Bravo 3, I/O very fuel efficient - and quiet ( a buddy of mine has a Yamaha 250 HPDI on a 25' Parker - it is loud ! I/O closed transom.

Overall the only thing that really bothers me about having an I/O is that I hate leaving the drive in the water for the season. And, I have to watch out for certain shallow spots. However, I feel that the weight of the motor, centered nice and low, gives me a very nice smooth, dry ride.

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong either way. I was always an O/B guy for all the obvious reasons but now that I own an I/O - something I SWORE I would never do - I'm happy with it !

Good luck

nestorpr · #9 03-07-2006, 03:24 PM

I've owned all 3 types, inboard, outboard and i/o and I like the i/o because it offers the best of both worlds in one package. It's more manouverable than an inboard and the thrust line can be altered where the inboard thrusts at an angle and is not as efficient, it's usually more economical than an outboard and a lot less noisy than most, especially at high speeds. A lot of the parts can be found at auto parts stores at much cheaper prices than for an outboard which are usually only offered by the manufacturer at exorbitant prices. To me the disadvantage of the engine box is not as bad as a big outboard hanging out the back with the powerhead right in the way and with the new fad of installing outboards on those transom brackets, you loose the whole transom area to the engine(s) and bracket. I've lost too many big marlin because of an outboard in the way when trying to board it so, for me, an i/o is the better choice. On CC boats, an i/o on a jackshaft with the engine under the console would be even better, clean cockpit just like an inboard but with shallow water capability (with the oudrive raised)!

Rhodnett · #10 07-13-2006, 06:36 PM

Oldfielder,

I'm curious about your cruising speed of 32 MPH. I have a '74 23'SF with a '93 Mercruser 5.7 Alpha (4-bbl) and I'm lucky to get 20 kts at 3200 rpm. I seriously doubt if mine will hit 32 wide open. What RPM are you cruising at?

Thanks,

Rusty Hodnett