I/O vs inboard on a 23 center console

[EventHorizon]

im looking at 23 footers and am trying to gather info on what would be a better ride and the differences between the two. I have a 74 center console i am going to post, to small for me so id like a 23 instead.

[Miles Offshore]

I/O advantages- better cruise speed, range, efficiency
I/O disadvantages- big ass motor box in the way when trying to manuver around it/fish around it

Inboard advantages- clean transom , ability to fish all the across the stern

No outdrive= less maintenance

I/O is more stern heavy than the inboard naturally because of the motor plaement. Both ride great. People will say the I/O's are a pain in the ass maintenance wise but I know plenty of folks with outdrives who never have too many problems with them. Staying on top of whatever you own is key. Hope this helps

[EventHorizon]

Thank you for the input, I have never gone with a i/o before so I was wondering whether the 23 would vary greatly in performance and is there a big difference in fuel consumption between the two not that it matters at these prices. Im going to check out a 23 w/350 merc in the morning. I have a 20 footer that im gonna list when i get back from this offshore trip. Thanks again.

[Solafide]

I cant speak about inboards but I have had nothing but hassles with i,o,s, mostly with the drives,seldom with engines.I have pulled the i.o.s out of my last two boats,a 25'Wellcraft an a 23'Seacraft and installed brackets and outboards.In both cases performance improved dramaticlly and the engines are cleaner,quieter,and much easier to maintaian.I will never go back to a i.o. Good luck looking for a 23'.Mine is posted on this sight.
Alan

[JohnB]

I have not riden in an I/O SeaCraft, but have in many similar I/O's. I have been on an inboard several times, and this is what I see.

An older I/O or inboard will not be as efficient as a 250-300hp new outboard.

The newer fuel injected I/O or inboard will be more efficient than the older outboards, especially 2 stroke carbed.

The outboard in almost all cases will outperform the I/O or inboard when it comes to speed, simply from a horsepower to weight ratio. Especially if the outboard is CORRECTLY mounted and proped on a bracket.

The older outboards are noisier and have more fumes than either new or old inboards (unless it's diesel). The newer outboards are about the same noise level, and have very little fumes, even the 2 strokes. If you have the outboard on a bracket with a full transom, it drastically reduces noise and fumes of any outboard.

The I'O's and inboards ride better, but most are stern heavy and the balance is off. You need some BIG trim tabs, and maybe move some stuff around to balance these boats. Part of the better ride is due to the I/O and inboards aren't running 40+ mph, but alot has to do with the low center of gravity and the weight of the engine being 10" above the keel line.

I/O's and inboards tend to have more maitenance and tinkering required to keep the up and running. If you have good mechanical skills, this isn't a big deal, but if your a turn the key and go guy, it will probably drive you nuts.

[seabob4]

And just remember, with an inboard, you've got no trim. Tabs, the bigger, the better, are an absolute must!

[EventHorizon]

Thank you all for the much needed info on the the subject. This is a great site.

[Miles Offshore]

a 12"wide tab is as large a tab as you can get on the boat because it will otherwise just cross the chines and do nothing extra.the larger part of it will not even be covering any effective water surface. It will look like sheet too. The only way to do better than that would be to run 2 sets of 12's on each side. the 12x12's i have work fine.