Inboard outboards vs outboards

[JWB]

Been looking for a primo 19-20 Potter but have not found the right one yet. I have found several IOs 23' at decent prices with new/rebuilt engines/drives. Houw do these compare with new 4 stroke outboards? Fuel consumption, logevity, ease and cost or repair/replacement? I think I know the answers but would like comments.

[bobfish21]

have a '74 23 tsunami i/o,restored in 1999-new 5.7 efi mercruser alpha gen 2.Boat has run flawlessly from day one.at 3300 rpm cruise, 26kts at about 8-9 gph-thats better than 3 mpg.Boat is quiet, economical,loads of fishing space.Had a 23 outboard years ago, this boat is a much better seaboat. it really needs the weight of the i/o.currently have about 700hrs with 1 waterpump(on the engine)replaced.Key is maintenance(75 hr oil changes and yearly tuneup/impeller)and never run the boat over 3300 rpms.
hope this helps.

bobfish 21

[Briguy]

I also noticed when I put the bracket on and upgraded to twin 115's that weigh about the same as a 5.7 that the boat rides better. The I/O can't match the bracketed boat for fishing room or if you store the boat in the water for the season the outdrive will deteriorate over time and requir alot of maintainance. I burn 10-11 gph at 26kts so about the same. The 5.7 will cost about 1/2 to replace and should last about the same amount of hours.