Hello from long time lurker now on the market for a family boat to be used on greater Sarasota intracoastal waters. Can't wait!
SR 220SD is perfect for us, but the I/O is a little scary. We are used to freshwater outboard. I have read sooooo many CSR and other source input about saltwater corrosion and maintenance needed, so will not dwell on that. However, all that reading has me nearly talked out of buying a saltwater boat at all!
We would trailer store and flush after every use. I also understand the manifolds, etc replacement and other PM that will be needed. Our priority is family fun on the water and not wrench time.
So, my questions:
1.) If I found a mid 2000s (2003-2007) dry stored 220SD with merc 5.0 alpha with all maintenance records, assuming correct maintenance was done, and flushed after each use, could I typically expect 5 years of family fun with minimal headaches?
2.) Even though I see many I/O boats on the water, should I stay away from an I/O due to shallow waters in intracoastal? (we will want lots of sandbar/beach time with our kids).
I understand and respect the debate of I/O vs outboard, but trying to minimize my risk and optimize our leisure time.
Thank you!
SR 220SD is perfect for us, but the I/O is a little scary. We are used to freshwater outboard. I have read sooooo many CSR and other source input about saltwater corrosion and maintenance needed, so will not dwell on that. However, all that reading has me nearly talked out of buying a saltwater boat at all!
We would trailer store and flush after every use. I also understand the manifolds, etc replacement and other PM that will be needed. Our priority is family fun on the water and not wrench time.
So, my questions:
1.) If I found a mid 2000s (2003-2007) dry stored 220SD with merc 5.0 alpha with all maintenance records, assuming correct maintenance was done, and flushed after each use, could I typically expect 5 years of family fun with minimal headaches?
2.) Even though I see many I/O boats on the water, should I stay away from an I/O due to shallow waters in intracoastal? (we will want lots of sandbar/beach time with our kids).
I understand and respect the debate of I/O vs outboard, but trying to minimize my risk and optimize our leisure time.
Thank you!
Regular flushing and good maintenance should last a good five years + for the risers as someone else mentioned. Good luck enjoy!
