On Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:19:15 -0700, Tim wrote:

I don't know why the I/O's arn't popular for intermediate sport
fishing.

You've pretty much gotten most of the "issues", but truth be told,
there really isn't much difference in complexity between a modern
outboard and I/Os.

On some boats, the major consideration is cockpit space and I/Os can
take up precious room in a smaller boat if there isn't sufficient
bilge to give you floor space. On a center console less than 23 feet,
there will be a reduction in space and around 20 feet, you won't have
any space to speak of.

23 foot and above, you can stuff a I/O engine in the bilge, but space
will be at a premium which makes it more difficult to maintain the
engine - everything from oil changes to simple repairs become more
complicated due to space problems.

Basically that's the real reason - space.