I/O or Outboard

M

Maler

New Member
Feb 17, 2010
8
Perth, Australia
Boat Info
175 Sport 2010
Engines
3.0 Mercruiser
Hi everybody. I've just placed a deposit on a new 2010 Sea Ray 175 Sport. It will be my first boat and hopefully over time the family will enjoy and I'll upgrade to something bigger as the kids grow up and I gain more experience. The issue I have is that my friends, and one good friend in particular, is really trying to talk me out of purchasing a boat with an I/O set up rather than an outboard.

He's provided examples of I/O's going on fire, being less economical, expensive to service, and much louder than equivalent outboards. He's also said they're more troublesome to beach and overall a bigger pain in the ass than an outboard. He thinks I should change my mind immediately and purchase the 185 Sport with outboard instead.

As I lack experience and space for storage I've limited myself to the smaller boats for the time being and was happy with my decision but the scare stories regarding ownership of an I/O is preying on my mind.

I'd really be interested in what the experienced folks on here think of this little debate. Thanks.:smt100
 
I've had smaller boats with both powertrain configurations. The noise comparison is not a concern. The outboard engines are exposed, the I/O enclosed. I find both about the same. I like the I/O design due to using a "more" automotive type of engine and I found easier to work on. Also the boat looks better. I have no issue on I/O maintenance as long as the "routine" per manual is followed. However, today's outboards have come a long way in design and power output. Take a look at resale values which may provide some additional direction.
 
Maler said:
....one good friend in particular, is really trying to talk me out of purchasing a boat with an I/O set up rather than an outboard.......
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Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

For us, the traditional open unobstructed deep swim platform that goes out past the propellers below is important.

Given the same horse power, a sterndrive is much less expensive to purchase . The main reason is the gas engine is a high volume GM block that Mercury or Volvo buys then attaches the rest of the stuff. The exceptions to this would not apply to the types of boats you are considering.

Sterndrive (I/O) maintenance is more expensive and more complex. Outboards have a lower risk of explosion.



The good news is in the size range you are considering; both are popular so you can decide what is best for you.

Consider both; decide what is best for you.



My advice, buy used for two reasons:

#1) The market on used boats is terrible so you can get a value. If you go used, don’t skip the step of getting a survey of the boat, engine and drive.
#2) I don’t care how much research and thought you put into it, in 2 to 3 years you will be saying you should have purchased something different.
 
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Are you going to keep the boat in the water? Noise wont really be a factor if you get a 4 stroke outboard - even some of the 2 strokes aren't that bad at cruising speeds. Mine is loud - it's a Yamaha 150 HPDI 2 stroke - power is good but it's loud. You don't have to winterize the outboard as the water drains when it's lowered - at least it does on mine. Water pump impeller changes, lower unit oil and other maintenance is very easy - no crawling around in an engine compartment - spark plugs, fuel filters, etc are all in easy reach once the top cover is removed. If you are storing in the water then you can typically raise the drive up to clear the water surface where the I/O drive will always be in the water. Just a few thoughts to consider - but from the other thread it sounds like you already made an offer on one. Either way you will have a great time!
 
I do have a deposit down but I don't think the boat dealer would be worried if I changed my mind and purchased a different model as long as it was a Sea Ray within his dealership.

One of the reasons I'm looking at the smaller boat is so that it can be stored at home rather than purchasing or renting a boat pen. So my plan right now is to keep it out of the water on the trailer.

Thanks for the feedback and please keep it coming.

I plan to use the boat on the river mainly and maybe inshore along the coast when calm. The wind blows pretty hard in Perth most of the time.
 
Looking at the international site I don't see a 2010 175 outboard listed - are you looking at the 185 outboard? Wondering what the horsepower difference would be between the I/O (135hp) and the Outboard (unknown).
 
I'm in the marine business and I repair and own boats with both. No doubt for a boat that size I would go outboard.
Much less trouble and cost to maintain. My 85 260 S/R DA has the Mercruiser I/O. If I get my hands on or the cash for a New O/B, I'd love to convert it. It may be a first.
Hands down, outboards are the way to go on small boats in my opinion.
 
Maler said:
One of the reasons I'm looking at the smaller boat is so that it can be stored at home rather than purchasing or renting a boat pen. So my plan right now is to keep it out of the water on the trailer.
Click to expand...

If you’re planning to keep your boat on a trailer, there’s no reason to be concerned about an I/O. If you were keeping the boat in salt or brackish water, I’d strongly suggest that you lean toward outboard power.
 
Seems to be more cockpit space with the Outboard but the engine seems intrusive on the swim platform.

You should not have an issue with maintenance either way--as mentioned earlier there are pro's and con's to both.

Make your decision on how you are going to use it.

I like the Outboard because of the cockpit space but you lose the nice lounge--nothing like a nice hottie lying out on one of those.

I had a 19 foot I/O and was always looking for that extra cockpit space because of the engine compartment taking up so much room.

I like the 185 design with the outboard even with the engine and swim platform it is nicely design to give you access.

IMO
 
UPDATE - Adam, the salesman took the boat round to the house today to see if it would fit in the space I have allocated for it. With a slight adjustment to the trailer it'll fit fine but I can't probably say the same for the 185.

So on that basis we've shaken hands and I'm going to stick with the stern drive. I love it. Maybe an outboard would be better, but what the hell, it's my first boat, it's going to be on a trailer and I'll maintain it per the service schedule just like my car.

Hopefully I'll gain the experience I need and then maybe look to upgrading in a couple of years, maybe then I'll buy an outboard and feel differently. For the time being I'm going to be the proud owner of a 175 Sport and I look forward to those mill pond days when the Swan River looks like glass and just enjoy the time with my family. :thumbsup:
 
Maler said:
UPDATE - Adam, the salesman took the boat round to the house today to see if it would fit in the space I have allocated for it. With a slight adjustment to the trailer it'll fit fine but I can't probably say the same for the 185.

So on that basis we've shaken hands and I'm going to stick with the stern drive. I love it. Maybe an outboard would be better, but what the hell, it's my first boat, it's going to be on a trailer and I'll maintain it per the service schedule just like my car.

Hopefully I'll gain the experience I need and then maybe look to upgrading in a couple of years, maybe then I'll buy an outboard and feel differently. For the time being I'm going to be the proud owner of a 175 Sport and I look forward to those mill pond days when the Swan River looks like glass and just enjoy the time with my family. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

:smt038:smt038 Awesome...many great rides.:thumbsup:

Your plans...what we did. We had the 19' that we bought used for three years and just upgraded to the 280 at Thanksgiving. It is a good plan. Only 30 days until spring and 41 to splash down.
 
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