i/o v. outboard for 23 cc?

[jeffg]

Hi,
I have been looking at 23' cc models for years waiting for the right project boat to come along for the mix of inshore light tackle and offshore trolling I do. I have always been an outboard owner, but have become intrigued by the idea of a full transom and an i/o, especially for tuna trolling.

I guess what I am looking for from you 23 cc owners is what you see as the pros and cons to these two setups on this boat. Does the weight distribution change the ride at all, is there any other difference in the the hull design between those set up for i/o v. outboards, greater maintenenace, safety issues, etc???

Looking for as much input as possible. I have seen a number of restorable boats come and go recently and would love to take the plunge one of these days.

Jeff

[wildlifeone]

If you get an I/O and convert it the storage space you gain is great.the full transom ends all the fuss about water intrusion and transom height. you might look into what the fuel capacity is in an I/O. mine is 100 gallons. I have a conversion with a wide body armstrong bracket and a 2000 evinrude ficht 225. I also havethe console that you step down into w/a head , just a thought of what is out there.
good luck

[FELLOW-SHIP]

HA JEFF/MA
WELCOME TO THE BOARD HOPE YOU FIND YOUR BOAT TO RE DO. OBVIOUSLY YOUR QUESTION HAS TO DO WITH PERSONAL PREFERENCE FOR YOUR BOAT. I THINK IF YOU WANT TO DO BOTH IN SHORE AND OFF SHORE TYPE FISHING I WOULD THINK OF A OUTBOARD MOTOR FIRST. I HAVE ONE 225 YAMAHA ON MY 23’ CC AND IT IS MORE THAN ENOUGH POWER. AS WE ALL HAVE NOTICED THROUGH THE YEARS THERE ARE A LOT OF GUYS THAT HAVE CONVERTED THEIR I/O TO OUTBOARDS BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD ON ONE CASE CONVERTING A OUTBOARD TO A I/O. WITH THE DEPENDABILITY OF OUTBOARDS NOW A DAYS PLUS THE FUEL EFFICIENCY OF THE NEWER TYPE MOTORS (FOR ME) IT IS A CLEAR AND EASY CHOICE. I DO LIKE INBOARD TYPE BOATS BUT ONLY WHEN YOU GET INTO THE 29’ AND UP RANGE BOATS. I WAS FISHING NEXT TO A 31’ CC LAST SATURDAY WITH THREE 200 MERCURY’S ON THE BACK (FOR ME) I THOUGHT THAT WAS REALLY DUMP. I SAW THE SAME TYPE BOAT DOWN IN THE KEYS A MONTH AGO WITH ONE CUMMINGS DIESEL AND A BOW THRUSTER I THOUGHT THAT WAS I REALLY NEAT SETUP. THE ONLY DRAWBACK ON OUTBOARDS IS THE STRESS IT PUTS ON TRANSOMS AND THAT IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH. SOME GUYS LIKE TRANSOM MOUNTED MOTORS AND OTHERS LIKE THE BRACKET’S. DO WHAT YOU LIKE THE MOST AND ENJOY THE WATER. YOU ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE TO LIVE AND LIVE IT ON OR CLOSE TO THE SEA. THE WAY I SEE IT IS THAT THE LONGER YOU WAITE ON GETTING STARTED THE LESS TIME YOU HAVE IT ENJOY YOUR RIG. SOME ONE SAID AND I LIKE IT “SEIZE THE MOMENT”
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[jeffg]

Any other i/o owners care to chime in on how they like their set up compared to an outboard???

[Runco]

Have FWC IO Sceptre 1985 Small block chev 350. No mystery with this motor also can replace it or rebuild for a lot less than OB. Hours per gallon are great especially when trolling, no carbon problems.Parts are all over the place. Very happy with the IO.