Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Have to admit, I've started looking at a couple of boats with outboards. Is the "gas and go" convenience worth giving up the rumble of big blocks?

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

And Sound Like A Bumble Bee At Wot??????????

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

I've got no bones about eggbeaters. They run like scalded dogs and are pretty darn maintenance free (2 strokes, that is).

The 220-260 horse carbed 2.5's were anvils.

The sound? Have you heard an 8000 rpm 2.5 thru velocity stacks? Or thru a Brucato guillotine? They SHRIEK. You can keep em quiet or make em as nasty sounding as you like.

Hard to beat when you look at bang for the buck.

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

come my son, come to the dark side
http://www.stupidfastboats.com/sangg.jpg

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Just don't bring any strippers with you......... :evilb:

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

You Can Do It ! :d

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

The best thing is setting on the transom to work on them instead of hanging upside down in the bilge.

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

You mean being a bildge rat can be uncomfortable?

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

I personally would miss the rumble of the big blocks too much, BUT there are certainly advantages to the week whackers.

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

With two young'ns (one will be 3 and one 8 months when boating season hits) we're trying to balance "family" with "performance". Formula SS series are nice, but a little too cruiser, and the only ones in our price range are the 28' - I'd like something bigger. So... I'm thinking about a Concept or similar. Run 60+, big cockpit for the kids to run around in, enough cabin for them to take a nap (we *never* overnight), gas-and-go convenience (2 kids means *no* time to mess with the boat). One of my big concerns is wind protection up here in the land of 65 degree boating days, but maybe Leopajm will chime in with some first hand experiences... :)

Still just kicking the idea around, all the input is appreciated!

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Dockrocker, E-mailed pixs..... Thanks, Pat

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

I've gone both way's. (Did I say that). I have to say, I like both. I saw a Skater for sale with 4 2.5's on it. I think that would be neat, but then I have a hard time keeping 4 light bulbs lit in my bathroom. Packin, What kind of boat is that in the Pic? Doug

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Mike (Dockrocker),
I've been on Spicy's boat and it's a very nice boat. If that's the way that you and your family want to go, it doesn't make you a bad guy!! :D :D


When I saw this thread, I thought that some of those SCOPE people had been in contact with you in a recruiting effort for "The Dark Side"!!!! :eek: :D :drink: :evilb: :evilb:


Craig

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Hey Dockrocker.....


I grew up with outboards and now I have a Formula with big blocks. Sometimes I wonder what I did by leaveing the "dark side" Anyway here a few Center Consoles that are very nice and might be worth looking into. Send me a PM if you are interested. Good Luck!!
Decathlon 1
Decathlon 2

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

The Dark side ? never been there :D

There are some tuff motors , the one thing that impressed me was the rods in them , with needle bearings , there built kinda like the jap motorcycles.

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Mike ... we've had ours about a year now and love it !!! However , my wife would also rather have the 400SS (i think most women would :rolleyes: ) and the open deck of the CC does get a bit windy at speed (good on the hot days, tough on the cool ones)... As far as the kids go , mine are 5 and 2 now and the open lay out is great for them as long as it's not too rough ... Performance wise ... if you can run around 60 "comfortably" you'll be surprised at how many other "go-fast" boats you'll be able to run with most of the time. If you want a good "all around , low upkeep" boat that does ALOT of things well , you will have a hard time beating a 36 Concept . The FUN factor is way up there , and the BULL**** quotient is zero ! Have Fun Shopping !!!

JM

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

outriggers - packinairs boat is a Sanger AlleyCat. pretty cool boat and flys like crazy. i wasnt much for outboards till he got his. it has a very cool sound to it but he has the exhaust tuned.

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Thanks for the input. Mama's not too hot on the "fishboat" idea, but I'm working on her. How is the fuel usage compared to a I/O? I'm basically clueless about outboards, so if anyone has a primer course, I'm all ears.

As for the wind, I'm wondering if you put two little plexiglass "doors" between the gunwales and the console, would that break up the wind for those in the rear bench seat? A lot of bowriders have a similar windblocker for the walkway between the consoles, seems like it should work for a CC as well.

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Hey dock, how about a 33 powerplay w/ tripps?
There are a few for sale...
Huge cockpit... racy looks... and big cabin.
Will do 70???

http://newimages.yachtworld.com/1/2/5/5/7/1255753_1.jpg

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

I'm going through the change myself right now...
I took a deposit on my pantera (Twin Big Block B1s)..
And am working for Evinrude..
I am on my demo boat about three times per week...
Twin 225s... Yeah, I know, it's a fishing boat..... But we're talking about making the switch from BB to OB...
It's taking a bit tetting used to the OBs...mainly around the dock...
These OBs Idle at 500rpm, and shift so smooth... I find myself wondering if I'm moving, in gear, running...
You have no doubt, with a big block if the thing is in gear, or idling.... It's more predictable in my opinion.
This boat weighs 8500 with fuel and people. I'll put my money on this boat for a drag race against a lot of performance boats... (Two strokes have a lot more torque than 4 stroke anythings) Top end is only 56..but look at the boat... :rolleyes:
Fuel consumption is a small fraction of that of the big block... This boat will burn 20 GPH at WOT!!!!!! WOT!
One more common thing in many OB boats.. Throttle and shifter in one... Terrible..

Maintenance... OBs have far far far less to worry about.
In the Evinrude ETec...
No service, none for 300 hours.
No break in period
Self draining when the key is off.
Self winterization/fogging mode
524 lbs

Yeah, I miss running two big blocks sometimes..but the gains are worth more than the losses..

Please don't laugh at my boat.. It's my company demo..I didn't buy it.. (and I don't have to pay for it)

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

compared to:
http://stupidfastboats.com/Left%20side%20rear.JPG

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

If I were running in salt water I wouldn't even think about inboards or I/O setups.

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

dock,
i thought you were looking for something with a cabin with enclosed head, etc. ?

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Ive had just about every skater made 36ft up with big blocks. I took a 30 motion on trade with 2.5's. After rebuilding one powerhead and one lower, it has run flawlesssly.

I dont do anything to it, as long as water is squirting out and it has fuel pressure, Im gone.

It will do 70mph all day long. I missed the sound for awhile, but I got used to it.

Now Im looking for a 32 skater with egg beaters.

It will be real interesting to see what merc does with the verado at the miami boat show, Ive heard 400hp. And the boost is electronic controlled. (chip in the future) maybe like on some diesel trucks where you can dial in the power.

Just my thoughts.

Curtis

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

We're going back and forth - as soon as I thought we were settled on a 32 AT or 35 Cafe, the Admiral brings up a Formula SS, a boat we've looked at time and again. So we're still assessing what would work best for us with kids and all. Formula 330 SS would be nice, but you're lucky to break 60 and it's almost too big to trailer if we want to visit the other side of the state. Traditional offshore doesn't have a lot of room for guests or kids. So, maybe something like a Concept?

I ought to say fugit and buy a Searay! :D

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

The grass is always greener on the other side. I like my outboards but I must say that I would love the rumble of a couple of big blocks. My next boat will be an I/O just because of the rumble. I posted about a year ago asking how I can make my 300's louder. By the way.. Being a bilge rat can stink but depending how far apart they are, getting between those outboards can be a pain too. If the boat is on a trailer you will be working from a ladder too... But... At the end of the day it is less maintenance. Hope I haven't confused you too much :D

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Mike,
Yep, they're available. I sent you a PM..

Yeah, I like my job too...
This was Tuesday in Islamorada :cool:

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Mcollinstn,

Why are the 2.5 carb motors junk? And if so, what is the best replacement for the money. I.E. 32 Skater with twin 300's or trip 2.5's, any help would be appreciated.

Whirlygig

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

whirlygig,

I think you taking his comment opposite of what he meant.

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Outboards, Cats, Eggbeaters.... That's not the darkside...
THAT is the dark side!!!
Go right ahead you Red Wings fan you!

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Mike,
I had twin Evinrudes outboards on my previous boat and loved them. But consider this :
1. There isn't one good (just good , not real good ) place to get a outboard worked on in our area. I did all my work short of complete rebuilds. Most of the places are working on 5-9 H.P, trolling motors for walleye fishermen. The bassboat crowd go to their off lake dealers for service but most of those dealers are small and cannot facilitate a 30 plus foot boat.
2. Resale absolutly SUCKS in our area. I towed mine to Florida and got an acceptable price for it there.
3. Factor in the cost of two stroke oil when you do your fuel costs. It does get expensive and is seldom mentioned.

An Intrepid with triple Hondas would also be a nice sport/family runner with OB's.

ed

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

BG111,

Thanx, Anvil comment was taken as an anchor substitute. I am not very familiar with reliability and benefits of the current models out there. i.e. 2.4's, 2.5's carbed or FI, 300 Pro max and the new 300's.

If someone could clarify the different models and benefits it would help for the uneggbeaterjucated.

Whirly

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

you need to go check out www.screamandfly.com ..it is nothing but outbaords

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Thanx packinair

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Nice rig Packinair! :cool:

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

DONT USE KIDS FOR EXCUSE MAN....
i got 3 of em and it hasnt stoped us from sailing skiig racing bigblox outboards etc, its just fun let em grow up and learn its not allways taj ma hal

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?
 

Compression checks are SOOO much easier. (except Opti-max)

Re: Is it worth it to go over to the dark side?