On Thu, 10 May 2007 13:31:05 -0400, Chris Larocque
wrote:

that's what I meant, for his purposes.... does anyone actually know
why inboards use less gas than outboards?

also, what about 140HP 3.0L? that's what i've been seeing lately....
sure the 190HP versions work fine, that's only 40HP off of the ratings
on the 305's... but the one's im seeing aren't rated for 190, more
like 140...


also anybody have an answer on the whole USPS question? can you take
on of their courses and walk out with a boating license?


I have a 19' cuddy cabin with the 3.0 135 hp (I believe that is the
correct hp rating) with a Mercruiser Alpha One outdrive. It does an
acceptable job and I can pull my grandkids on tubes and take people
sking. However, this boat is definitely on the heavy side for that
engine. A 18' bowrider, being much lighter, should do quite well with
that engine.

A 2 cycle outboard will use more gas due to inefficiencies. An
undersized engine will use more gas than an appropriate sized engine
since it will be operated at higher RPMs and higher loads. An I/O is
in many ways a car engine.

BTW I still do not get your assertion that you can't pull toys and
skiers behind an outboard. A decent sized outboard on a bowrider or
other runabout will definitely pull tubes and skiers as well as an
I/O. I would not be the least concerned about an outboard on an 18'
bowrider or other runabout - there are definite advantages to the
outboard as well as the I/O. I myself wouldn't have a 2 cycle
outboard, however, due to gas usage, oil usage and dirtier operation.
I like my I/O. Winterizing the outboard is sure easier though.

Dave Hall