Why IO over OB?
 

Seems like most performance boaters choose V-8 sterndrives over outboard power. Not really sure why? Yeah, a V-8 rumble is nice, but it seems outboards are lighter and faster with same horsepwer; plus they have a greater trim range, and free up cockpit room. Price, fuel economy, durability? Opinions? I'm trying to figure out configuration of my next 26 - 30 footer....

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I like having a swim deck on the back of my boat, that would be my main concern with a O/B style boat. How do you get in and out with twins or tripples? Maybe you just dont get in the water?

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I am an ouyboard guy but the inboard boats are easier to sell with better resale value

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

AGREE.....Sterndrives rumble sounds SWEET and even better at WOT!!!!! :D :D
Better resale.
Swim platforms.
But the outbourds do seem to be faster with = horsepower.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I/O's also run mych better in rough water, weight is not all hanging off the back of the boat. O/B's like to pound hard in 2-4's where an I/O will have better manners. Both great power options, just depends on your needs.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

ultimate speed is still better in a sterndrive application..... a fast OB will be in the 115-120 range.. (lets say 30-32 cat) and a fast sterndrive will be in the 135-150 range.... you max out pretty quick with the OB's

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I have to agree with the Hillbilly. I started with an OB and will probably end up there as being a bilge rat is getting harder as I get older (softer). I see a performance CC in my future.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

They don't make 1100hp outboards yet.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

Outboards will spin high rpm alot longer before needing a major. They do smoke alot and the rigging can eat up some of the platform .. Both have good and bad points..
Outboards are FAR easier to work on .. I can swap a powerhead in a couple hours and be back out there.
To each his own ...I always had IO's but wanted to try outies so i built this boat.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I'll try to keep this brief-
I have always been a big block guy... My last boat had twin 502 MPIs... They broke my balls relentlessly.

Then I went to work for Evinrude.
Damn life is good with OBs.
These motors light off sooner than you can get your hand off the key, they're smooth, quiet, NEVER smoke at all, never stall, accellerate strong, have a great power curve, and most importantly...next to no maintenance. My demo boat has 285hours on it.. These motors are just now going to get their first set of plugs...

The only negative.. They're 250s.... You'd need 3.5 obs to get the same HPs at two basic BBs.
But then there's weight..
These OBs are 525lbs each. A stern drive BB is about 1,000lb.

It's a tough call if your talking about OB vs a basic bb like a 496ho.. I'd be in the OBs...
Now, if you're talking a pair of 600hp, or bigger.... What other choice do you have?

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

Tim,

Is there a 300+hp in the future for Evinrude? There has been alot of talk about this issue on screamandfly.com

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

IO's have a lower center of gravity(CG), which is preferable for most performance vehicles.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

Rocco-
There certainly is plans for a bigger HP ob..
The current 3.3l/200CI block has capacity for 80hp per cylinder...That's 480hp.
I have heard talk of 400hp powerheads running in testing..
But the reality is reliability.... BRP won't let it out until they are confident that Joe Boater will not ruin it due to misuse...
400hp powerhead is nice..but you need to have the other parts to go with it... Will the lower hold up? Drive shaft? Trim system?

You'll see something bigger, but it will be a little while.
BRPs next ETec launch is the mid size- 115/130 v4s and the 150,175, and 200 small block v6s..

I ran this sweet motor all last week... 225HO... Great power, high sped gearcase, LWP, 247hp at the prop. On a 20' basser, 2 people 3/4 tank fuel...78mph! Plenty dangerous :eek: 1.85 gears, 28p 3 blade, 6,000rpm... :D

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

Is it true that is illegal in the US to modify an outboard? Thought I saw that on one of the boards in the past. If so, that may be a minus for those who like to tinker.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

Technically it is "not legal" to tamper with anything that can change the emmissions output of any engine that is CARB or EPA rated.
That said, don't touch your 496mags.... :rolleyes:

So lets say your OB is a 3 star engine and you modify it a bit.. It's fine so long as it still pases 3 star emmissions...

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

Is Cost a factor?? I guess what I'm thinking is that you can get a 496mag h.o (425 h.p) less than you can get the number of of O.B's to equal the same h.p.. How much is a 225 Optimax?....... times two.
I like the sound of both. Something about a set of 2.5's screaming by at 100 mph :)

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

Most 225hp DIs (Opti, Etec, HPDI) will cost about $16k. retail is more like 18k.

What's a 496ho with Bravo priced at.... Yes, less than $32k. But that same boat with twin 225s will be faster and have better holeshot.

Then there's fuel...
The 250 Etec burns about 20gph at WOT with a good load. So thats 40gph for twins. A single 496ho will burn at least 40gph..probably 50.
If we're talking $$$.. Don't even bring up maintenance costs... :eek:

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

Rumor has it Merc is testing a 400hp + verado.

Its a little heavy but still lighter than a V-8

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I have heard like rumors...
I also heard that they have a big block Verado in the works.
The current engine is a 2.6l... It would never support 400hp...
Hopefully their new version will be less dependant on the supercharger.

A little heavy???? A little? The whale is about 160lb heavier than a DI two stroke.
It would be conceivable to build a 2 stroke V8 Ob...in say 4.5 liter and still be lighter than the current 2.6l Verado.

If I was Merc, which I'm not, I'd put more work into their Optis and 250XS.. They have potential to be great motors.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I was jusy over in the tech secyion and there is an arguement going on over there about Carbs VS EFI. This is a simialiar argument if you ask me. As I said over there, it's like comparing a Ferrari to a 1 ton pickup truck. They both have their place and purposse. As far as cost, when you add it all up, they are pretty even in the long run and the O/B may even be just a little cheaper. Higher initial cost for the same power, but less cost over time for alot less cost over time for fuel and maintenance. O/B and I/O HP are not realy comprable numbers either. A 225 O/B will move the same boat alot faster than a 225 HP I/O would.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I'll agree that they both have their place, when it comes to i/o vs. o.b. but as for carbs vs. e.f.i. a carb will never beat a fuel inj. setup anymore.my .02

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

When I was a little kid on the beach, I thought the coolest thing in the world was that you could hear the offshore boats before you could see them. I would hear that rumble, then run up to the water and wait for it to pop into sight. That, for me...is enough reason for IO engines.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I Just saw a Midnight Express ( I think it was 35 or 38 ft, not sure) with 4 275 HP verados on it. I liked the looks of the boat but it just doesn't seem right with 4 egg beaters on the back. The boat is said to do a hair over 75 with the quads.

I have a small CC with a 115 2 stroke yami on it and I love the lack of maintence on them but they are limited with some aspects. My opionion, Fishing boats OB performace IO. No real reason's besides the ones already stated but just my preferance.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

The same reason Harleys are much more popular than rice burners.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I have always owned I.O.'s In my humble opinion, when you get past all the pro's and cons of one vs the other, it comes down to looks, which is what steers you one way or another. I personally like everything tucked away. It gives the boat a more streamline look. Some like to show it all. But, for me, there is something about having that big block, or two, down below,roaring to life, at your favorite marina, that gives me wood every time. Its my replacement for my high school years with my old hot rods, and girl friends. Except now, they get in with bikinis on.... :drink: Just dont tell my wife.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

For me... It's saltwater vs. freshwater...

If I lived on the ocean, I would have outboards. Since I live inland, I like the look and sound of an IO.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

Just went from a 2001 26' Daytona with a 575 SCi/XR to a 2005 26' Daytrona with twin wackers(300X's). We do alot of cruising at speed(65+) for extended periods and having the ability to cruise at 80mph only turning 5k on the o/b's was a strong selling point. Plus, I was getting tired of seeing the back end of the o/b boats. I do miss the rumble of the i/o's, but the 111mph vs. the 89mph helps me forget. Go wackers! :drink:

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

What about the handling aspects?

Outboard boats "drive" differently - more specific to lightweight boats.

CG on a light outboard boat acts like a fulcrum to roll the boat over. Not much of an issue on a 40 Midnight Express, but on a 28 Skater(unless they are F1 engines) the high CG is gonna have a negative effect.

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

The more I work on my I/Os ...the more I like eggbeaters. I too, started out with an OB and with any luck will wind up with a couple. :rolleyes:

Re: Why IO over OB?
 

I just stepped over to the darkside :evilb: Just bought a CC with 250 Mercs. 1st Service 20hours $164-00 next service 100hours. Turn the key & go, easy maintenance & I am seeing 69mph on GPS with a full load 250 Gals fuel & 6 people. Had the opportunity to run it hard in some real nasty water & the OB's don't miss a beat. Fuel consumption, not that bad at cruise low50's , but at full throttle they tend burn a little. My 250 EFI's are also considered gas hogs. As to all the weight at the back, I carry 275 gal. of gas 15 gals water & everyone rides in the back, the ride is awesome. I would find it hard go back to being a Bilge Monkey. I love the noise the BB make, however it's nice to hold a conversation while running.