I am looking for a first boat for my famiy. ?

Question

It will be a bowrider between 18-21ft and used primarily on Texas lakes. My question is whether or not to go with I/O or Outboard. I have only been around outboards my entire life, but it seems that almost all bowriders are I/O. Why?? This boat will be used for skiing, cruising and a little fishing. I am a full grown man ( 6' 235lbs ) so power is definately a factor. Winterize?, upkeep?, overall cost of ownership? Thanks in advance!!!!

Answer 1

Boatin' in VA has got some good advice.

The I/O has the power and IMHO they have fewer maintenance issues. Winterizing is cheaper and easier on the O/B, however.

If you are skiing with this boat, power of the I/O. And if you are cruising with this boat your wife is gonna want the I/O for the noise factor. Yeah, yeah, I know the 4 strokers are quiet, but women like the noise muffled under the doghouse.

Now, you have been around O/B's all your life? You will have to take a long look because your comfort level is gonna be higher with a big old four stroke outboard on the back of your boat.

Best of luck and have fun.

Answer 2

I/O or outboard? Many have asked that very same question here and those who live in your area will say to go with the o/b. But that's not what you asked...

Why are most bowrider's equipped with i/o's? The main reasoning is what you seek...power. You are talking about a larger sized vessel (meaning more weight) and that means more power. HOWEVER...with that said there are boats that will work for what you are looking to do that come with o/b engines but you'd probably want to have duals on the transom.

Factors? One i/o vs 2 o/bs...less original cost for the engines.

Winterization...cheaper to winterize the o/bs

Upkeep...i/o's are car engines and easier to work on

Cost of ownership...all depends on how much use you give the vessel