outboard vs i/o sterndrive??

ronjhall · Aug 16, 2004

Is there any truth to this myth? 

Mike

Single engine I/O, Outboards, and Inboards all have problems docking. The I/O and outboard will try to walk to the right when going into a dock. An inboard will try to walk also. The inboard will not steer very well unless the prop is pushing water over the rudder. In reverse water is not being pushed over the rudder. I/O and outboard will only steer if the prop is turning. In reverse the exhaust washes over the prop which gives less control and requires more rpm's.
I have owned all three. Including twin engines. Twin engines inboards are the best of the 3 for maneuvering around the docks. My 32' boat that is 37' overall will turn within it's own length. An I/O or Outboard will need more room or some fancy forward and reverse and steering wheel movement to turn 360 degrees.
An Inboard will have less maintance than an I/O or Outboard. The Inboard will not run as fast and will use more gas. It's one of those pay me now or pay me later things.

It is not a myth.

8NTX · Aug 16, 2004

( Single engine I/O, Outboards, and Inboards all have problems docking. The I/O and outboard will try to walk to the right when going into a dock. )

This is especially true when you have a breeze and a decent current blowing into your cove. I have found out in the last few months that bringing my 19' boat with I/O into the slip is much more difficult than driving onto the trailer.

And two weeks ago, I lost power to the prop while doing about 45 mph across the lake. And no, it wasn't the hub. Won't go into gear. Uh-oh. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

gws · Aug 16, 2004

I have found on "modern" outboards its cheaper to work on. People dont have to hand upside down to work on an engine they can work faster. Outboards for smaller boats seem to be more popular in saltwater areas. The big problem with outboards is when you get an old one. Air cooled around are area are VERY hard to get fixed, no one wants to work on them. Also when towing an outboard puts much of the weight at the end of the trailer., I/O moves it in a and lower.

if it gets you to the fishing hole and back, its the right engine.

WiJC · Aug 17, 2004

a 17 or so foot glass boat with the 3 liter 135hp will have problems pulling slalom skiers out of the water?? that seems like quite a bit of hp for that size boat. (although my experience with boats has always been with outboards)

i have been skiing for about 25 years..but am not a die-hard. this boat will be for my family to play around with up at the cabin. (skiing, tubing etc)

anyone with experience with skiing off a similar setup?

thanks again for the responses...

hazmat · Aug 17, 2004

I ski off our 17' boston whaler with 90HP (V4). It will pull my 220# out of the water OK on 1 ski. Just not if there are 6 people in the boat. Plenty of HP for tubing, knee boarding etc.

You should do fine with 135HP as long as the boat isn't a real tank (Heavy).

before the 17' we had 13' with 40HP. When I was a sophmore in high school (160#?) it would no longer pull me up on 1 ski. 2 skis was OK. Always hated looking for the ski after I had dropped it.

fivestring · Aug 17, 2004

A 135 is more than enough for a 17 ft. boat.
I had a 115 and pulled two skiers with a 17 ft. boat.
You should be able to pull 2 skiers with ease.

hazmat · Aug 17, 2004

I have no sympathy for powerboats and docking.
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Lets see - 1,500# whaler, 90HP to move it.

16,000# sailboat - 27HP to move it?

Which is going to manuver better? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Seriously though - docking can be tough. There is a good little book out there called "dockmanship" that has some nice diagrams etc.

I've found that getting a spring line on the dock gives you a pivot point to manuver against to bring the bow or stern in as required. In tough conditions (high winds / current) think out your plan before you get to the dock.

WiJC · Aug 17, 2004

i know a 135hp is more than enough..being an outboard. (i have quite a bit of experience with outboards)

is it enough being an i/o??

when i was about 12 (long time ago) i got up on 2 skis behind an 18 horse evinrude /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

hazmat · Aug 17, 2004

How much does the boat weigh? I'd say probably enough. You should be able to take the boat for a test ride before you buy. Bring your skis.

WiJC · Aug 17, 2004

the boat is about 1900 lbs.

also, an earlier poster stated his preference of skis...i too like connely skis better than obrien. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif