Disadvantages to an I/O vs OB

I found a good deal on a new 2005 Crestliner 1950 sportfish(25K), however, it has a 4.3 Mercruiser I/O. I’ve never had an I/O before…any disadvantages to it. I know you have to drain it when the temp freezes, anything else?? Obviously I’d have to put a kicker on the back as well, but I’d have to do that with a large OB as well.

From pictures, it looks like Chris Granrud runs a big Lund with a inboard. I would pm him. With the weather he lives with I don’t think cold weather fishing has been an issue either.

Good Luck,

FDR

if you find out from a first hand source, I am interested as well as I am looking and seems like there are quite a few I/O on the market right now….I know they can’t go as shallow as outboards but that is all I know…

There was a post on here recently with the same question. I looked but can’t find it. I run a Tyee with a I/O Mercruiser Alpha II. I purposely bought it for that reason as that is what I wanted.I like the GM part as I do my own maintanence and feel a little more confident working on those. I have no problems with it , I am not sure that you cant fish as shallow as an o/b. I know they do take up some extra boat space , but otherwise I am very happy with mine. This is just my $.02.

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Obviously I’d have to put a kicker on the back as well

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I’d put on a Engine Mount electric. (Like a Minnkota EM-80) They work well in an IO.

-J.

I had a 89 sylvan with an IO.You can go as shallow as an outboard- you get better gas mileage and they are pretty quiet. The only problem I had was with the gimble bearings. Its very easy to drain the engine block.

The big advantage is your not going to have a blown powerhead like so many of the big block OB seem to experience. They are bullet proof with regular maintenance. Mine is a 1988, with some maintenance it still goes great. I have a 4.3L GM (175h.p.), 2BB Rochester carb I rebuilt and still run the points and distributor ignition. Parts for these are very easy to come by also. I like how quiet they are and never have to smell exhaust. Disadvantage would be weight I assume and mine is in pretty tight quarters. Exhaust manifolds do wear out, mine made it two decades, boat has low hours though. I just replaced mine. I have a rare bird though and the aftermarket ones were salty, but my father and I did all the labor, kind of fun. My rear deck is a great casting platform, no outboard in the way.

You don’t need one of those transom/lower unit brackets!

Thanks for all the great input…a lot of good points. I need to pony up and write the check…My wife gave me the green light so I better move fast.

LOT,

Do you have an interior shot of your boat? I am interested to see how the IO laysout.

Thanks

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LOT,

Do you have an interior shot of your boat? I am interested to see how the IO laysout.

Thanks

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No problem Farmboy. Those are the old original exhaust manifolds that I replaced. The glove box doubles as a cooler with a drain plug, a beer drinkers dream come true.

Cool. Thanks

That’s a cool boat. What is it?

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That’s a cool boat. What is it?

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That is the same look I get from people at the boat ramp.

What is it?

1988 Cajun Espirit Entrepreneur

I have owned it since April 2004 and the first thing I did was pull the decals it had, they were hidious, it was pre Crayfish logo that a lot of the bass boats sport. Never seen another sterndrive one like it, I have seen the outboard versions of this vintage. I have the original manuals, bumper stickers and jacket patches for it. It is very different, one reason we liked it so much.

I really like it! Cajun was the first thought that crossed my mind, but I didn’t know they made any I/Os.

Is the additional weight an issue?? The model that I’m looking at is 800lbs more than if it had a 150OB. Besides pulling the boat down the road, is it going to give me performance issues (speed, handling waves, etc)

Some of that weight is going to be offset by more horsepower, what is a 2005 4.3L rated at? Is it 190 h.p.?

Ya, it’s a carbureted 190 hp.

Nice boat there Lots of Luck.
Not trying to ‘burst your bubble’ but I have one too! Not quite as good a condition as yours though but not far off. However mine only has the 4 cylinder – but I like it. I have only just bought the boat. An ’88 with 2 owners, the guy I got it off has had it since ’93. I have tried to do some research but the only one I can ever find on the internet is yours! Which only makes me like it more. Have you ever come accross any others? I’m laying her up for the winter now and going to do a couple of little jobs on her that don’t really need doing – but thats just the way I am!

I have a 1990 cajun 1950 just under 20 ft, with the I/o and I can’t figure out what it’s really worth, probably going to keep it but just curious, on a duel axel trailer with no rust 4.3 merc, can’t find the same boat online what do you guys think is worth if I restore the gel coat.

This kind of exposes the biggest disadvantage, fishing room.