Inboard, or outboard

[bubba]

Howdy all,
                   New member to site. I have a 1980 aquasport, 22'2 family fisherman. I had a hardtop put on, and added a yamaha, 9.9 kicker motor. My question is, the 470(4 cylinder) mercruiser motor is getting tired. Wanted to get some input from everyone on going with a v-6, or a v-8. or converting to and outboard.(been checking out those aluminum boxes that bolt to back of transom). Also, what kind of weight can this hull handle? The 470 motor is great, but would like to start going out 10-15 miles to do some wreck fishing. Would like to have some more power, in case bad weather should arise. I've been an auto mechanic most of my life, so turning wrenches and playing with inboard motors is not a problem. Outboards on the other hand is all new to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[LilRichard]

Bubba-

Welcome to the site.

I think you will find varying answers to your question- but I think the number one variable is price.  As far as I know you can buy a pretty nice V8 longblock for much less that you can obtain a new outboard- and that does not take into account the conversion from I/O to OB.  Given those two thoughts, I would adise sticking with an I/O.  Not to mention your I/O will get very good fuel economy.

[RickK]

I agree with Rich.  Being an auto mechanic, you will have a much better chance of fixing an engine problem on an I/O or inboard, on the water, than most people would.  I would stick with what you know.
BTW, where ya been since you became a member a year ago?

[GoneFission]

I agree with the above - when you consider HP for the dollar, fuel economy, ease of installation, and reliability - you will be much better off with a new block.  You can get a nice new reman 350 CI 260 HP marine block for under $2k - you won't be able to touch a outboard for that!  

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/350-Rema ... 0123567774

And you probably really know Chevy small blocks better than two cycle outboards!  Stick with what you know...  

See ya on the water!

[John Jones]

I'm not a fan of I/O because I had a 470 Mercruiser sink at the dock on me many years ago, maybe 1980 or so.  A mechanic left a hose clamp loose...  That said, I would still stay with what you know.  You are looking at $17K+ for a new 225 HP outboard.  That will buy a lot of small block Chevy's.

[JimCt]

Ditto's to what JJ said except that the mechanic sank his boat, not the I/O.    If anybody works on my boat or car I go over their work as much as I can.  Amazing how many tools are in my kit that were left behind by mechanics over the years.

[John Jones]

Yep, it was the mechanic's fault.  At the time I was new to I/O and lived in an apartment and was too busy chasin' wimmen to work on the boat myself.  

I will say that the 470 was some motor.  It was based on the Chevy "iron duke" 4 cylinder with a 4 bbl. carb.  It really put out for a 4 banger.

[JimCt]

Although I haven't installed my new 4.3 Mercruiser yet, everything I've heard is that it's a rugged engine and has a solid track record. There a lot of them out there.  If you have the space this might be a good motor for you.  Carburated version is 190hp, MPI version is 230hp. MPI gives better fuel efficiency too.  

Major items to watch with any outdrive are the rubber boots at the transom that keep water out of expensive areas and the water pump.  If the pump fails you melt the rubber exhaust hose.

[gcapehart]

I once heard a guy complain about gas mileage in his car. I asked what he had. It was a Caddy. So I asked, did you buy it for the "good gas mileage"? He didn't get it. Now my question, my 25XF has a 225 VRO on it and is running great. But down the line, does installing an inboard/outboard as it is a four stroke make more sense? I have heard many stories of corrosion, manifold leaks, etc; In outherwords that outboards are safer, more reliable. So .........................................

[bubba]

Thanks for all the info guys. Looks like i'm goona stick with the i/o. But is the v-8 going to be to much weight for my 1980 22'2 cuddy? Don't forget i also have a 9.9 kicker hanging off the back. Thanks.

[JimCt]

Check out the Mercury Marine website for engine weights.