Hi Jim,
Opinions, everyone has one! My opinion is outdrive are best used in
heavier boat applications. When in the size range you speak of, the
advantage of an outboard is not having to share your very limited deck
space with an engine compartment. I do recommend a 4 stroke outboard as
they are much quieter and fuel efficient then 2 strokes.

Outdrives are great for larger boats with v-8 engines.

Regards and luck,

Capt. Frank Hopkins

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks


Jim Stallings wrote:

Hello All,

This will probably be a painfully obvious question for many of you,
but I wanted to get some advice and I'm a novice powerboater (plenty
of sailing experience though!!)

Anyway, I'm in the market for a small runabout boat - perhaps 17 to 19
foot. It's to be used in both fresh and salt water here in the NW USA.
I plan to pull skiers as well as just cruise and maybe fish.

My question is - what are the advantages of an I/O vs outboard, and
vice versa. I've been leaning toward an I/O, mostly from the
standpoint of noise, simplicity, and looks (no unsightly motor in the
way....). What are some other considerations I should be aware of or
take into account.

Thanks VERY much for any help you can provide.

Jim