On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 16:26:41 GMT, Melandre
wrote:

Looking at buying my first boat and don't know much about boating
unfortunately. Narrowed it down to 2 options: both are Bayliner
approx. 18' (either Capri 1750 or 1850 not sure) but one has an in
outboard (Force 120hp I think) and the other has an Inboard (120hp or
135hp can"t remember exactly).

The boat would be moored for a large portion of the year at a
sal****er marina (in North Vancouver, BC).

I am wondering if one type (O/B vs I/B) is considered a better
solution for sal****er. For example, with an I/B the option of not
having the leg in the water doesn"t exist while with an O/B I suppose
one could choose to raise the motor above water level (not sure if
this is wise or if the air/sal****er mix would create more damage than
simply leaving it in the water).

Any thoughts, advises, recommendations?

I assume these are used boats that you are considering. First, I
would not purchase the 'Liner with the Force. I'm fairly sure that
motor is on it's last legs. In any case, it's older and while it's
still a "Mercury", parts are problematic - in particular of that
vintage.

I assume the other boat is an I/O and of the same vintage as the
original boat. This may or may not be a good buy. I would certainly
have a competant mechanic look it over and give you an opinion.

As to mooring, these are a little small for a mooring - I would think
you would be better served trailering the boat - cheaper too.

I an strictly an outboard guy - I have three of the freakin' things on
two boats and wouldn't have it any other way. If I were to move to a
cabin boat, it would be something that I can hang an outboard or
outboards off of. Outboards generally have more interior room than an
I/O, but that's not always true.

With respect to maintainence in salt water, it's better on a boat that
size to trailer. That way you can flush the motor, wash things down
and it helps the engines last longer.

With respect to I/O, it's better to get a Fresh Water Cooled (FWC)
motor than Raw Water Cooled (RWC) for obvioius reasons.

As a general piece of advice for a new boat owner, find somebody who
knows boats to check these out for you or pay a compentant
outboard/inboard mechanic to check out the boats. LOOK AT A LOT OF
BOATS!!! Don't settle for anything - the more you look at, the more
guestions you ask, the more you learn and when you do buy, you will be
more confident in your first boat purchase.

At this time in history, used boats are plentiful. Check
boattraderonline.com, boats.com, the used listings in your area and
just go and look - get a feel for pricing, ages, types. Check out
marina listings, go to in-water boat shows - get a firm idea of what
it is you want and need.

Good luck.

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
-----------
"Angling may be said to be so
like the mathematics that it
can never be fully learnt..."

Izaak Walton "The Compleat Angler", 1653